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Is Forest Flame pieris toxic to cats?

Pieris japonica 'Forest Flame'

Toxic to cats

Yes — forest flame pieris 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. All parts of Pieris japonica are highly toxic to dogs, cats, horses, and humans. The plant contains grayanotoxins (andromedotoxins), which cause salivation, vomiting, low blood pressure, and cardiac arrhythmias. Honey made from Pieris nectar ('mad honey') can also be toxic. Keep away from pets and children.

What to do if your cat ate forest flame pieris

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

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

Is forest flame pieris toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is forest flame pieris toxic to cats?

Yes — forest flame pieris is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. All parts of Pieris japonica are highly toxic to dogs, cats, horses, and humans. The plant contains grayanotoxins (andromedotoxins), which cause salivation, vomiting, low blood pressure, and cardiac arrhythmias. Honey made from Pieris nectar ('mad honey') can also be toxic. Keep away from pets and children.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats forest flame pieris?

All parts of Pieris japonica are highly toxic to dogs, cats, horses, and humans. The plant contains grayanotoxins (andromedotoxins), which cause salivation, vomiting, low blood pressure, and cardiac arrhythmias. Honey made from Pieris nectar ('mad honey') can also be toxic. Keep away from pets and children. 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 forest flame pieris.

What should I do if my cat ate forest flame pieris?

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 forest flame pieris toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Forest Flame pieris is toxic to dogs as well. See the full forest flame pieris pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to forest flame pieris?

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 forest flame pieris pet-safety