Pet emergency
My cat ate Nikko Blue Bigleaf Hydrangea — what to do
Step by step
- Take nikko blue bigleaf hydrangea away and remove any plant material from your cat's mouth so they cannot eat more.
- Note roughly how much was eaten and when — this helps the vet judge the risk.
- Do NOT induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist tells you to.
- Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 (a consultation fee may apply) and follow their advice.
- Watch for drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or lethargy, and bring a leaf or photo to the appointment.
This is general guidance, not veterinary advice. Pets vary, and a reaction may be to soil, fertiliser, or pesticide as well as the plant. When in doubt, call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435.
My cat ate nikko blue bigleaf hydrangea — FAQ
Is nikko blue bigleaf hydrangea poisonous to cats?
Yes — the ASPCA lists Nikko Blue Bigleaf Hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla 'Nikko Blue') as toxic to cats. Hydrangea macrophylla is listed by the ASPCA as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. All parts contain cyanogenic glycosides (hydrangin) which can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy, and depression when ingested. Flower buds have the highest concentration. Keep pets away from plants and fallen material.
How serious is it if my cat ate nikko blue bigleaf hydrangea?
Nikko Blue Bigleaf Hydrangea is toxic to cats and reactions can be significant, so treat any ingestion as urgent. Call your vet or poison control on (888) 426-4435 straight away rather than waiting to see if symptoms develop.
What symptoms should I watch for?
Signs usually appear soon after chewing: drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy. Hydrangea macrophylla is listed by the ASPCA as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. All parts contain cyanogenic glycosides (hydrangin) which can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy, and depression when ingested. Flower buds have the highest concentration. Keep pets away from plants and fallen material. Any worsening or persistent symptoms warrant an immediate vet visit.
Should I make my cat vomit?
No — do not induce vomiting unless a vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center specifically tells you to. The wrong action can make things worse. Call (888) 426-4435 and follow professional advice.
How do I stop this happening again?
Keep nikko blue bigleaf hydrangea well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best cats-safe plants list.
Related
- Is nikko blue bigleaf hydrangea toxic to cats? — full toxicity detail
- Nikko Blue Bigleaf Hydrangea and pets — the complete ASPCA pet-safety guide