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Is Chinese Witch Hazel toxic to cats?

Hamamelis mollis

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists chinese witch hazel as mildly toxic to cats — a chewing cat typically gets mouth irritation, drooling, and vomiting rather than a medical emergency, but it is still best kept out of reach. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List. Hamamelis mollis is not listed by the ASPCA as toxic or non-toxic. Witch hazel extracts are used medicinally in humans, but concentrated preparations can cause gastrointestinal upset; there is no confirmed serious toxicity to pets from the plant in garden conditions. Apply precautionary mildly-toxic classification.

What to do if your cat ate chinese witch hazel

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

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

Is chinese witch hazel toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is chinese witch hazel toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists chinese witch hazel as mildly toxic to cats — a chewing cat typically gets mouth irritation, drooling, and vomiting rather than a medical emergency, but it is still best kept out of reach. Hamamelis mollis is not listed by the ASPCA as toxic or non-toxic. Witch hazel extracts are used medicinally in humans, but concentrated preparations can cause gastrointestinal upset; there is no confirmed serious toxicity to pets from the plant in garden conditions. Apply precautionary mildly-toxic classification.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats chinese witch hazel?

Hamamelis mollis is not listed by the ASPCA as toxic or non-toxic. Witch hazel extracts are used medicinally in humans, but concentrated preparations can cause gastrointestinal upset; there is no confirmed serious toxicity to pets from the plant in garden conditions. Apply precautionary mildly-toxic classification. 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 chinese witch hazel.

What should I do if my cat ate chinese witch hazel?

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 chinese witch hazel toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Chinese Witch Hazel is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full chinese witch hazel pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to chinese witch hazel?

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 chinese witch hazel pet-safety