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Japanese Aucuba
Aucuba japonica
Japanese Aucuba (Aucuba japonica), also called Japanese Laurel or Spotted Laurel, is a common garden and houseplant shrub that is mildly toxic to cats. It contains aucubin, an iridoid glycoside found throughout the plant, along with irritant saponins. The bright scarlet berries may attract curious cats and represent the most accessible toxic source.
Important Notes
Toxic compounds: aucubin (iridoid glycoside) and irritant saponins; berries and leaves are the main exposure route
Mechanism: aucubin causes GI irritation; large doses may produce mild hepatotoxicity in cats
Symptoms: vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, lethargy; typically mild and self-limiting with small ingestions
Berries are visually appealing to cats — restrict access during berry season
Contact your vet if your cat ingests berries or shows more than mild GI symptoms
Disclaimer: This summary was compiled from multiple sources and is for informational use only. It is not a diagnosis or treatment plan. Toxicity can vary based on the substance, amount, plant part, and individual cat. If you think your cat may have been exposed to a toxic substance, contact a veterinarian right away.