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Pet safety

Is Hydrangea toxic to cats?

Hydrangea macrophylla

Toxic to cats

Yes — hydrangea 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 Hydrangea as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses due to cyanogenic glycosides. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhoea, and lethargy.

What to do if your cat ate hydrangea

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

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

Is hydrangea toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is hydrangea toxic to cats?

Yes — hydrangea is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. ASPCA lists Hydrangea as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses due to cyanogenic glycosides. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhoea, and lethargy.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats hydrangea?

ASPCA lists Hydrangea as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses due to cyanogenic glycosides. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhoea, and lethargy. 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 hydrangea.

What should I do if my cat ate hydrangea?

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 hydrangea toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to hydrangea?

Good cat-safe swaps that keep a similar look include hibiscus, rose, blueberries — all ASPCA non-toxic to cats and dogs. See the full pet-safe alternatives to hydrangea.

Full hydrangea pet-safety