Pet safety
Is Hydrangea 'Annabelle' toxic to cats?
Hydrangea arborescens 'Annabelle'
Yes — hydrangea 'annabelle' is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List. ASPCA-lists Hydrangea as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. The leaves, buds and flowers contain the cyanogenic glycoside hydrangin, which can release cyanide when chewed. Ingestion usually causes vomiting, diarrhoea and lethargy. Keep prunings, dried heads and fallen petals out of pets' reach.
What to do if your cat ate hydrangea 'annabelle'
- Remove any plant material from your cat's mouth and move hydrangea 'annabelle' out of reach.
- Note how much was eaten and when, and watch for drooling, vomiting, or lethargy.
- Do not induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist instructs you to.
- Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice.
- Bring a leaf or photo of hydrangea 'annabelle' to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.
General guidance, not veterinary advice. If you think your cat has eaten hydrangea 'annabelle', contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 — do not wait for symptoms to worsen.
Is hydrangea 'annabelle' toxic to cats? — FAQ
Is hydrangea 'annabelle' toxic to cats?
Yes — hydrangea 'annabelle' is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. ASPCA-lists Hydrangea as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. The leaves, buds and flowers contain the cyanogenic glycoside hydrangin, which can release cyanide when chewed. Ingestion usually causes vomiting, diarrhoea and lethargy. Keep prunings, dried heads and fallen petals out of pets' reach.
What are the symptoms if a cat eats hydrangea 'annabelle'?
ASPCA-lists Hydrangea as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. The leaves, buds and flowers contain the cyanogenic glycoside hydrangin, which can release cyanide when chewed. Ingestion usually causes vomiting, diarrhoea and lethargy. Keep prunings, dried heads and fallen petals out of pets' reach. 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 hydrangea 'annabelle'.
What should I do if my cat ate hydrangea 'annabelle'?
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 hydrangea 'annabelle' toxic to dogs too?
The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Hydrangea 'Annabelle' is toxic to dogs as well. See the full hydrangea 'annabelle' pet-safety guide for both species.
What is a cat-safe alternative to hydrangea 'annabelle'?
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 hydrangea 'annabelle' pet-safety
- Is hydrangea 'annabelle' toxic to cats and dogs? — the full guide for both pets
- Is hydrangea 'annabelle' toxic to dogs?
- My cat ate hydrangea 'annabelle' — emergency steps
- Best cats-safe plants — the full ASPCA non-toxic list
- Complete hydrangea 'annabelle' care guide