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Is Hairy Hydrangea toxic to cats?

Hydrangea involucrata

Toxic to cats

Yes — hairy 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. Hydrangea involucrata contains cyanogenic glycosides (amygdalin) throughout all plant parts, consistent with the genus Hydrangea, which the ASPCA lists as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. Ingestion can cause vomiting, lethargy, and gastrointestinal upset.

What to do if your cat ate hairy hydrangea

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

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

Is hairy hydrangea toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is hairy hydrangea toxic to cats?

Yes — hairy hydrangea is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Hydrangea involucrata contains cyanogenic glycosides (amygdalin) throughout all plant parts, consistent with the genus Hydrangea, which the ASPCA lists as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. Ingestion can cause vomiting, lethargy, and gastrointestinal upset.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats hairy hydrangea?

Hydrangea involucrata contains cyanogenic glycosides (amygdalin) throughout all plant parts, consistent with the genus Hydrangea, which the ASPCA lists as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. Ingestion can cause vomiting, lethargy, and gastrointestinal upset. 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 hairy hydrangea.

What should I do if my cat ate hairy 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 hairy hydrangea toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to hairy hydrangea?

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 hairy hydrangea pet-safety