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Pet safety

Is Drooping Leucothoe toxic to cats?

Leucothoe fontanesiana

Toxic to cats

Yes — drooping 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 Dog Hobble (Leucothoe species) as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. The toxic principle is grayanotoxin, which interferes with sodium ion channels. Clinical signs include vomiting, diarrhea, hypersalivation, weakness, low blood pressure, cardiovascular collapse, and in severe cases coma or death. Keep away from all pets and livestock.

What to do if your cat ate drooping leucothoe

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

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

Is drooping leucothoe toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is drooping leucothoe toxic to cats?

Yes — drooping 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 Dog Hobble (Leucothoe species) as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. The toxic principle is grayanotoxin, which interferes with sodium ion channels. Clinical signs include vomiting, diarrhea, hypersalivation, weakness, low blood pressure, cardiovascular collapse, and in severe cases coma or death. Keep away from all pets and livestock.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats drooping leucothoe?

ASPCA lists Dog Hobble (Leucothoe species) as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. The toxic principle is grayanotoxin, which interferes with sodium ion channels. Clinical signs include vomiting, diarrhea, hypersalivation, weakness, low blood pressure, cardiovascular collapse, and in severe cases 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 drooping leucothoe.

What should I do if my cat ate drooping 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 drooping leucothoe toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to drooping 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 drooping leucothoe pet-safety