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Is Climbing Hydrangea toxic to cats?

Hydrangea anomala subsp. petiolaris

Toxic to cats

Yes — climbing hydrangea 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. Leaves, buds and flowers contain a cyanogenic glycoside (hydrangin); ingestion can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy and, with larger amounts, depression. Keep pets from chewing the foliage.

What to do if your cat ate climbing hydrangea

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

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

Is climbing hydrangea toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is climbing hydrangea toxic to cats?

Yes — climbing hydrangea 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. Leaves, buds and flowers contain a cyanogenic glycoside (hydrangin); ingestion can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy and, with larger amounts, depression. Keep pets from chewing the foliage.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats climbing hydrangea?

ASPCA lists Hydrangea as toxic to cats, dogs and horses. Leaves, buds and flowers contain a cyanogenic glycoside (hydrangin); ingestion can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy and, with larger amounts, depression. Keep pets from chewing the foliage. 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 hydrangea.

What should I do if my cat ate climbing hydrangea?

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 hydrangea toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to climbing hydrangea?

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 hydrangea pet-safety