Privet

What it does to a cat.

Yes — privet is toxic to cats. The ASPCA lists it as poisonous to cats, dogs, and horses due to terpenoid glycosides — compounds that disrupt the digestive and nervous systems. While deaths are rare, they have been documented.

ASPCA Data

According to the ASPCA:

Toxicity: Toxic to Dogs, Toxic to Cats, Toxic to Horses. Toxic Principles: Terpenoid glycosides. Clinical Signs: Gastrointestinal upset (most common), incoordination, increased heart rate, death (rare).

Privet is a popular hedging plant worldwide, which means many households — especially those with outdoor gardens — may have it planted without realising the risk to cats and dogs.

How Terpenoid Glycosides Work

Terpenoid glycosides are plant compounds found throughout privet — leaves, berries, and bark. When ingested:

1. Digestive irritation — Compounds irritate the stomach and intestines, triggering vomiting and diarrhea within hours
2. Neurological effects — Terpenoids disrupt nervous system signalling, causing incoordination, tremors, and altered behaviour
3. Cardiac effects — In moderate to severe ingestions, terpenoids can increase heart rate and cause arrhythmia
4. Systemic failure — In rare cases, cumulative toxicity leads to organ damage and death

Even small amounts from a single leaf chewing session can trigger symptoms. Berries are particularly tempting to cats and contain higher concentrations.

What to Do If Your Cat Eats It

Contact your vet or poison control immediately. Do not delay.

1. Call poison control or your vet — ASPCA: +1 (888) 426-4435
2. Describe what was eaten — Leaves, berries, or amount unknown?
3. Note the time of ingestion — Helps your vet assess urgency
4. Transport your cat for evaluation — Even mild symptoms warrant a check
5. Monitor closely — Watch for worsening tremors, irregular heartbeat, or collapse

Most cases resolve with supportive care (IV fluids, monitoring), but early intervention is critical.

Safe Alternatives

If you need privacy screening or a formal hedge:

• Boxwood — Dense evergreen shrub, same structured appearance as privet, ASPCA non-toxic
• Yew — Wait, yew is also toxic. Avoid it.
• Other screening plants — Consult your local garden centre for ASPCA-verified non-toxic hedging options

For a garden with cats, prioritise cat-safe hedging species.

The Bottom Line

Privet is a beautiful hedge plant, but it poses a genuine risk to cats. If you have privet in your garden and cats roam freely, the safest approach is to remove it and plant a non-toxic alternative.

All parts of the plant are toxic — leaves, berries, stems, and bark. Even "just one leaf" can cause gastrointestinal upset.