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Could my 5 kg cat be poisoned by elderberry if it's in my cold syrup or immune supplements?

Cats · Food safety

Last reviewed: 2026-09-05 · Reference ranges: ASPCA, Pet Poison Helpline & Merck Veterinary Manual

Short answer

Yes, elderberry is toxic to cats in any form, including syrups, gummies, or dried berries in supplements. The cyanogenic glycosides can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, and worse. If your cat licks a spilled drop of syrup or chews a gummy, call your vet immediately. Check the labels of all human medications and supplements — elderberry is a common ingredient. Store them in a closed cupboard, and never give your cat any product containing it, even if it's marketed as natural.

Elderberry — Food safety facts

Do not feed · Cats · full breakdown on the linked food page

Raw berries, leaves, bark and stems all contain cyanogenic glycosides and cause vomiting and diarrhoea. Never feed.

Dogs and cats carry the same rating (Do not feed), so the notes below hold for either pet.

Elderberry should not be given to cats at all. Even a small amount can do harm, so there is no portion small enough to be safe.

Do not induce vomiting and do not give milk or oil to “dilute” it. Note the food and roughly how much was eaten, then call your vet or a pet poison hotline and follow their advice on whether to bring the pet in straight away.

Why these cautions matter

Raw animal protein carries Salmonella and E. coli risk, and those bacteria can spread to the people in the household too.

Elderberry has no place in everyday feeding: keep the rest of the day's food unchanged after this and watch the litter box and how quickly they finish the next meal.

The full verdict, portion guidance and serving notes are collected on the Elderberry food facts page.

Open the full food page: Elderberry food facts →