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Is Dusty zenobia toxic to cats?

Zenobia pulverulenta

Toxic to cats

Yes — dusty zenobia 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. Zenobia pulverulenta is a member of Ericaceae and contains grayanotoxins (andromedotoxins), which are known toxins across the family. Ingestion by dogs, cats, or horses can cause hypersalivation, vomiting, bradycardia, and ataxia. It is not individually listed by ASPCA, but given confirmed grayanotoxin presence across closely related Lyonia, Pieris, and Leucothoe, it must be treated as toxic. Keep away from pets and livestock.

What to do if your cat ate dusty zenobia

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

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

Is dusty zenobia toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is dusty zenobia toxic to cats?

Yes — dusty zenobia is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Zenobia pulverulenta is a member of Ericaceae and contains grayanotoxins (andromedotoxins), which are known toxins across the family. Ingestion by dogs, cats, or horses can cause hypersalivation, vomiting, bradycardia, and ataxia. It is not individually listed by ASPCA, but given confirmed grayanotoxin presence across closely related Lyonia, Pieris, and Leucothoe, it must be treated as toxic. Keep away from pets and livestock.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats dusty zenobia?

Zenobia pulverulenta is a member of Ericaceae and contains grayanotoxins (andromedotoxins), which are known toxins across the family. Ingestion by dogs, cats, or horses can cause hypersalivation, vomiting, bradycardia, and ataxia. It is not individually listed by ASPCA, but given confirmed grayanotoxin presence across closely related Lyonia, Pieris, and Leucothoe, it must be treated as toxic. Keep away from 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 dusty zenobia.

What should I do if my cat ate dusty zenobia?

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 dusty zenobia toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to dusty zenobia?

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 dusty zenobia pet-safety