Is Privet Toxic to Cats?

Ligustrum species

Privet contains ligustrin and other glycosides. Eating the leaves or berries causes vomiting, diarrhoea and abdominal pain; larger amounts can affect the kidneys.

It is one of the most common boundary hedges in Britain, trimmed constantly, with clippings left on the ground.

Which parts are dangerous

• leaves
• berries
• bark

What to watch for in the UK

• Boundary hedges in streets and gardens everywhere.
• Berries persist into winter when other food is scarce.
• Clippings left on the lawn after trimming are a real risk.
• Wear gloves and bag the clippings.

If your cat has already chewed it

1. Phone your vet if berries were eaten.
2. Clear clippings away and wash your hands.
3. Watch for vomiting, diarrhoea and reduced appetite.

Take a photo of the plant, and a cutting if you can do it safely — identification is half of the vet's decision. Out of hours, use your practice's emergency number. This page explains risk; it cannot diagnose your cat and it contains no home treatments.

If your cat has vomited after eating a plant, see the cat vomiting guide and, if there is blood, vomiting blood. For a general red-flag checklist, use sick cat symptoms. If the worry is food rather than a plant, the can cats eat guide covers 36 everyday foods.

Related plants

Browse the full UK plant checklist (72 plants).