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Is Catawba rhododendron toxic to cats?

Rhododendron catawbiense

Toxic to cats

Yes — catawba rhododendron 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 parts of Rhododendron catawbiense contain grayanotoxins (andromedotoxins). ASPCA lists Rhododendron spp. as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. Ingestion can cause drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea, hypotension, and cardiac arrhythmia. Even honey made from flowers ('mad honey') is toxic.

What to do if your cat ate catawba rhododendron

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

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

Is catawba rhododendron toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is catawba rhododendron toxic to cats?

Yes — catawba rhododendron is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. All parts of Rhododendron catawbiense contain grayanotoxins (andromedotoxins). ASPCA lists Rhododendron spp. as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. Ingestion can cause drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea, hypotension, and cardiac arrhythmia. Even honey made from flowers ('mad honey') is toxic.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats catawba rhododendron?

All parts of Rhododendron catawbiense contain grayanotoxins (andromedotoxins). ASPCA lists Rhododendron spp. as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. Ingestion can cause drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea, hypotension, and cardiac arrhythmia. Even honey made from flowers ('mad honey') is toxic. 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 catawba rhododendron.

What should I do if my cat ate catawba rhododendron?

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 catawba rhododendron toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Catawba rhododendron is toxic to dogs as well. See the full catawba rhododendron pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to catawba rhododendron?

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 catawba rhododendron pet-safety