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My senior cat licked a spoonful of my goji berry tea. Is that safe?

Cats · Food safety

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

Short answer

A small lick is unlikely to cause harm, but goji berries can interact with some medications and are high in sugar. Watch your cat for any vomiting, diarrhea, or changes in energy levels over the next few hours. If you notice any of these signs or if your cat is on medication, contact your regular veterinarian for advice.

Goji berry — Food safety facts

Feed with care · Cats · full breakdown on the linked food page

A couple of dried berries are not toxic, but they can interact with medication and are high in sugar.

Dogs and cats carry the same rating (Feed with care), so the notes below hold for either pet.

Goji berry is not poisonous to cats, but it is easy to over-feed. Rich fat, salt or seasoning can bring on vomiting or diarrhoea within a day, and repeated large portions are a recognised trigger for pancreatitis.

If it ate some before you noticed, watch for vomiting, diarrhoea, loss of appetite, unusual tiredness or a painful, swollen abdomen over the next 24 hours. A one-off small amount in a healthy adult usually passes with water and rest; repeated exposure, a puppy or kitten, a senior, or a pet with an ongoing illness is a reason to call your vet the same day.

Why these cautions matter

Added sugar brings empty calories, and over months that means weight gain and dental disease — both far harder to undo than to avoid.

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

Open the full food page: Goji berry food facts →