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Is Climbing Fetterbush toxic to cats?

Pieris phillyreifolia

Toxic to cats

Yes — climbing fetterbush 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. Contains grayanotoxins as with all Pieris species, confirmed toxic to cats and dogs by ASPCA. Clinical signs of poisoning include hypersalivation, vomiting, diarrhoea, weakness, cardiovascular collapse, and potentially death.

What to do if your cat ate climbing fetterbush

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

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

Is climbing fetterbush toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is climbing fetterbush toxic to cats?

Yes — climbing fetterbush is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Contains grayanotoxins as with all Pieris species, confirmed toxic to cats and dogs by ASPCA. Clinical signs of poisoning include hypersalivation, vomiting, diarrhoea, weakness, cardiovascular collapse, and potentially death.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats climbing fetterbush?

Contains grayanotoxins as with all Pieris species, confirmed toxic to cats and dogs by ASPCA. Clinical signs of poisoning include hypersalivation, vomiting, diarrhoea, weakness, cardiovascular collapse, and potentially death. 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 climbing fetterbush.

What should I do if my cat ate climbing fetterbush?

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 climbing fetterbush toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Climbing Fetterbush is toxic to dogs as well. See the full climbing fetterbush pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to climbing fetterbush?

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 climbing fetterbush pet-safety