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Is Coastal Doghobble toxic to cats?

Leucothoe axillaris

Toxic to cats

Yes — coastal doghobble 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 Dog Hobble (Leucothoe species) as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. The toxic principle is grayanotoxin, which interferes with sodium ion channels and can cause vomiting, diarrhea, hypersalivation, weakness, cardiovascular collapse, low blood pressure, and potentially coma or death. Keep away from all pets and livestock.

What to do if your cat ate coastal doghobble

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

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

Is coastal doghobble toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is coastal doghobble toxic to cats?

Yes — coastal doghobble is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. ASPCA lists Dog Hobble (Leucothoe species) as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. The toxic principle is grayanotoxin, which interferes with sodium ion channels and can cause vomiting, diarrhea, hypersalivation, weakness, cardiovascular collapse, low blood pressure, and potentially coma or death. Keep away from all pets and livestock.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats coastal doghobble?

ASPCA lists Dog Hobble (Leucothoe species) as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. The toxic principle is grayanotoxin, which interferes with sodium ion channels and can cause vomiting, diarrhea, hypersalivation, weakness, cardiovascular collapse, low blood pressure, and potentially coma or death. Keep away from all pets and livestock. 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 coastal doghobble.

What should I do if my cat ate coastal doghobble?

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 coastal doghobble toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Coastal Doghobble is toxic to dogs as well. See the full coastal doghobble pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to coastal doghobble?

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 coastal doghobble pet-safety