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Is Bent Enkianthus toxic to cats?

Enkianthus deflexus

Toxic to cats

Yes — bent enkianthus 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. All Enkianthus species are members of the Ericaceae family and contain grayanotoxins (andromedotoxins). Ingestion by cats or dogs causes vomiting, diarrhoea, hypersalivation, bradycardia, cardiac arrhythmias, hypotension, weakness, and CNS depression; as few as two leaves can cause serious toxicosis in small animals. Seek immediate veterinary attention if ingestion is suspected.

What to do if your cat ate bent enkianthus

  1. Remove any plant material from your cat's mouth and move bent enkianthus 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 bent enkianthus to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.

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

Is bent enkianthus toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is bent enkianthus toxic to cats?

Yes — bent enkianthus is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. All Enkianthus species are members of the Ericaceae family and contain grayanotoxins (andromedotoxins). Ingestion by cats or dogs causes vomiting, diarrhoea, hypersalivation, bradycardia, cardiac arrhythmias, hypotension, weakness, and CNS depression; as few as two leaves can cause serious toxicosis in small animals. Seek immediate veterinary attention if ingestion is suspected.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats bent enkianthus?

All Enkianthus species are members of the Ericaceae family and contain grayanotoxins (andromedotoxins). Ingestion by cats or dogs causes vomiting, diarrhoea, hypersalivation, bradycardia, cardiac arrhythmias, hypotension, weakness, and CNS depression; as few as two leaves can cause serious toxicosis in small animals. Seek immediate veterinary attention if ingestion is suspected. 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 bent enkianthus.

What should I do if my cat ate bent enkianthus?

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 bent enkianthus toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Bent Enkianthus is toxic to dogs as well. See the full bent enkianthus pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to bent enkianthus?

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 bent enkianthus pet-safety