Pet emergency
My cat ate Hydrangea 'Pinky Winky' — what to do
Step by step
- Take hydrangea 'pinky winky' 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 hydrangea 'pinky winky' — FAQ
Is hydrangea 'pinky winky' poisonous to cats?
Yes — the ASPCA lists Hydrangea 'Pinky Winky' (Hydrangea paniculata 'DVPpinky' (Pinky Winky)) as toxic to cats. ASPCA lists Hydrangea as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses, with cyanogenic glycoside as the toxic principle. Ingestion typically causes vomiting, depression, and diarrhoea; serious cyanide poisoning is rare and usually limited to GI upset. Keep clippings and fallen blooms out of pets' reach.
How serious is it if my cat ate hydrangea 'pinky winky'?
Hydrangea 'Pinky Winky' 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. ASPCA lists Hydrangea as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses, with cyanogenic glycoside as the toxic principle. Ingestion typically causes vomiting, depression, and diarrhoea; serious cyanide poisoning is rare and usually limited to GI upset. Keep clippings and fallen blooms out of pets' reach. 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 hydrangea 'pinky winky' well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best cats-safe plants list.
Related
- Is hydrangea 'pinky winky' toxic to cats? — full toxicity detail
- Hydrangea 'Pinky Winky' and pets — the complete ASPCA pet-safety guide