Is Hydrangea aspera 'Villosa' toxic to cats?

Yes — hydrangea aspera 'villosa' is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. The ASPCA lists Hydrangea as toxic to dogs, cats and horses. The toxic principle is cyanogenic glycoside (hydrangin) present in leaves, buds and flowers; ingestion can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy and depression. Keep pets from chewing the plant and contact a vet if a significant amount is eaten.

The ASPCA lists Hydrangea as toxic to dogs, cats and horses. The toxic principle is cyanogenic glycoside (hydrangin) present in leaves, buds and flowers; ingestion can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy and depression. Keep pets from chewing the plant and contact a vet if a significant amount is eaten. 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 aspera 'villosa'.

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.

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

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.