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Is Coastal Leucothoe toxic to cats?

Leucothoe axillaris

Toxic to cats

Yes — coastal leucothoe 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 Leucothoe (Dog Hobble) as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. The toxic principle is grayanotoxin, which disrupts sodium channels in nerve and muscle tissue. Clinical signs of ingestion include salivation, vomiting, diarrhoea, depression, weakness, cardiovascular collapse, and potentially death.

What to do if your cat ate coastal leucothoe

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

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

Is coastal leucothoe toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is coastal leucothoe toxic to cats?

Yes — coastal leucothoe is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. ASPCA lists Leucothoe (Dog Hobble) as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. The toxic principle is grayanotoxin, which disrupts sodium channels in nerve and muscle tissue. Clinical signs of ingestion include salivation, vomiting, diarrhoea, depression, weakness, cardiovascular collapse, and potentially death.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats coastal leucothoe?

ASPCA lists Leucothoe (Dog Hobble) as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. The toxic principle is grayanotoxin, which disrupts sodium channels in nerve and muscle tissue. Clinical signs of ingestion include salivation, vomiting, diarrhoea, depression, 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 coastal leucothoe.

What should I do if my cat ate coastal leucothoe?

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 leucothoe toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to coastal leucothoe?

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 leucothoe pet-safety