Autumn olive is not toxic for cats. According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) Poison Control Center, autumn olive is also not toxic for dogs and horses.
However, even if autumn olive is considered not toxic to cats, cat owners should still take a few notes when it comes to their feline’s wellness after eating plants.
Can Cats Eat Autumn Olive?
It is not a major cause of worry if your cat has licked or nibbled on a piece of autumn olive. However, it’s not advisable to offer your cat a piece of autumn olive because plants aren’t generally part of a cat’s diet. Carnivorous animals like cats do not have the enzymes needed to digest and absorb the plant matter in their stomachs.
What is Autumn Olive?
Autumn olive is also known for its other common names Silver Berry olive and Russian olive. This Elaeagnaceae plant is endemic to eastern Asia. It’s a strong, aggressive invasive plant that can quickly take over barren terrain, making it a nuisance throughout the central and northeastern US and Europe.
Elaeagnus species grows as a deciduous shrub or small tree with a dense crown. There are many sharp thorns in the shape of spur branches. The blooms have four lobes and are fragrant. They occur in white to golden bunches.
Autumn olive leaves alternate and feature wavy edges. The leaves are covered in small silvery scales when they initially emerge in the spring, but as the scales wear off, the leaves get greener above. The underside of the silvery scale is thicker, and it remains silvery until the leaves fall off in the autumn season.
Keeping Cats Away From Autumn Olive
You may teach your cat to avoid nibbling on plants, especially the ones outdoors. If you have plants at home, consider placing aluminum foil around them to keep them from getting too close. Cats loathe the crinkly texture and scent of aluminum foil.
If your cat is a wanderer, it’s better to limit his or her access to the outdoors to reduce the danger of encountering plants.
Plants to Avoid For Your Cats
If you are a cat owner and unsure if the plants growing in your yard are harmful to your cats, check out this list of toxic plants for cats. You can also check our list of non-toxic plants for cats.
