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Pet safety

Is Forrest's pieris toxic to cats?

Pieris formosa var. forrestii

Toxic to cats

Yes — forrest's 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 contain grayanotoxins (andromedotoxins). ASPCA lists Pieris as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. Symptoms include vomiting, excessive drooling, weakness, cardiovascular depression, and potentially life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias. Contact a vet immediately if ingestion is suspected.

What to do if your cat ate forrest's pieris

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

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

Is forrest's pieris toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is forrest's pieris toxic to cats?

Yes — forrest's 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 contain grayanotoxins (andromedotoxins). ASPCA lists Pieris as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. Symptoms include vomiting, excessive drooling, weakness, cardiovascular depression, and potentially life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias. Contact a vet immediately if ingestion is suspected.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats forrest's pieris?

All parts contain grayanotoxins (andromedotoxins). ASPCA lists Pieris as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. Symptoms include vomiting, excessive drooling, weakness, cardiovascular depression, and potentially life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias. Contact a vet immediately if ingestion is suspected. 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 forrest's pieris.

What should I do if my cat ate forrest's 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 forrest's pieris toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Forrest's pieris is toxic to dogs as well. See the full forrest's pieris pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to forrest's 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 forrest's pieris pet-safety