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Is Daphne odora toxic to cats?

Daphne odora

Toxic to cats

Yes — daphne odora 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 and the Pet Poison Helpline list Daphne as toxic to dogs and cats. All parts, especially the berries and bark, contain daphnetoxin and mezerein, which cause severe mouth and throat irritation, drooling, vomiting, bloody diarrhoea, abdominal pain and weakness. Ingestion warrants immediate veterinary attention.

What to do if your cat ate daphne odora

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

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

Is daphne odora toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is daphne odora toxic to cats?

Yes — daphne odora is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. ASPCA and the Pet Poison Helpline list Daphne as toxic to dogs and cats. All parts, especially the berries and bark, contain daphnetoxin and mezerein, which cause severe mouth and throat irritation, drooling, vomiting, bloody diarrhoea, abdominal pain and weakness. Ingestion warrants immediate veterinary attention.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats daphne odora?

ASPCA and the Pet Poison Helpline list Daphne as toxic to dogs and cats. All parts, especially the berries and bark, contain daphnetoxin and mezerein, which cause severe mouth and throat irritation, drooling, vomiting, bloody diarrhoea, abdominal pain and weakness. Ingestion warrants immediate veterinary attention. 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 odora.

What should I do if my cat ate daphne odora?

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 odora toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to daphne odora?

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 odora pet-safety