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Is Alpine Azalea toxic to cats?

Loiseleuria procumbens

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists alpine azalea as mildly toxic to cats — a chewing cat typically gets mouth irritation, drooling, and vomiting rather than a medical emergency, but it is still best kept out of reach. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List. Loiseleuria procumbens (now sometimes reclassified under Kalmia) is in the Ericaceae family. It is listed by the RHS as 'harmful if eaten'. It is not individually listed by ASPCA, but Ericaceae plants broadly may contain grayanotoxin-related compounds. Treat as mildly toxic and keep away from pets and children to err on the side of caution.

What to do if your cat ate alpine azalea

  1. Remove any plant material from your cat's mouth and move alpine azalea out of reach.
  2. Note how much was eaten and when, and watch for drooling, vomiting, or lethargy.
  3. Do not induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist instructs you to.
  4. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice.
  5. Bring a leaf or photo of alpine azalea to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.

General guidance, not veterinary advice. If you think your cat has eaten alpine azalea, contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 — do not wait for symptoms to worsen.

Is alpine azalea toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is alpine azalea toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists alpine azalea as mildly toxic to cats — a chewing cat typically gets mouth irritation, drooling, and vomiting rather than a medical emergency, but it is still best kept out of reach. Loiseleuria procumbens (now sometimes reclassified under Kalmia) is in the Ericaceae family. It is listed by the RHS as 'harmful if eaten'. It is not individually listed by ASPCA, but Ericaceae plants broadly may contain grayanotoxin-related compounds. Treat as mildly toxic and keep away from pets and children to err on the side of caution.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats alpine azalea?

Loiseleuria procumbens (now sometimes reclassified under Kalmia) is in the Ericaceae family. It is listed by the RHS as 'harmful if eaten'. It is not individually listed by ASPCA, but Ericaceae plants broadly may contain grayanotoxin-related compounds. Treat as mildly toxic and keep away from pets and children to err on the side of caution. Signs usually appear soon after chewing rather than hours later — watch for drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy after your cat has had access to alpine azalea.

What should I do if my cat ate alpine azalea?

Stay calm. Remove any plant from your cat's mouth and take the plant away. Note how much was eaten and when, and do not induce vomiting unless told to. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice; a leaf or photo helps the vet treat it correctly.

Is alpine azalea toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Alpine Azalea is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full alpine azalea pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to alpine azalea?

For a similar look without the risk, see the best cats-safe plants list — every plant there is ASPCA non-toxic to cats and dogs.

Full alpine azalea pet-safety