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Is Daphne laureola toxic to cats?

Daphne laureola

Toxic to cats

Yes — daphne laureola 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. Highly poisonous. While Daphne laureola is not individually listed by the ASPCA, the genus Daphne is well documented as toxic to dogs, cats, horses and people. All parts, especially the berries, sap and twigs, contain the diterpene resin mezerein plus coumarin glycosides (daphnin); ingestion causes intense mouth and throat irritation, drooling, vomiting, bloody diarrhoea, abdominal pain and, in severe cases, collapse. The sap also irritates skin. Wear gloves when handling and contact a vet immediately if a pet eats any part.

What to do if your cat ate daphne laureola

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

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

Is daphne laureola toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is daphne laureola toxic to cats?

Yes — daphne laureola is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Highly poisonous. While Daphne laureola is not individually listed by the ASPCA, the genus Daphne is well documented as toxic to dogs, cats, horses and people. All parts, especially the berries, sap and twigs, contain the diterpene resin mezerein plus coumarin glycosides (daphnin); ingestion causes intense mouth and throat irritation, drooling, vomiting, bloody diarrhoea, abdominal pain and, in severe cases, collapse. The sap also irritates skin. Wear gloves when handling and contact a vet immediately if a pet eats any part.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats daphne laureola?

Highly poisonous. While Daphne laureola is not individually listed by the ASPCA, the genus Daphne is well documented as toxic to dogs, cats, horses and people. All parts, especially the berries, sap and twigs, contain the diterpene resin mezerein plus coumarin glycosides (daphnin); ingestion causes intense mouth and throat irritation, drooling, vomiting, bloody diarrhoea, abdominal pain and, in severe cases, collapse. The sap also irritates skin. Wear gloves when handling and contact a vet immediately if a pet eats any part. 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 daphne laureola.

What should I do if my cat ate daphne laureola?

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 daphne laureola toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to daphne laureola?

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 daphne laureola pet-safety