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Is Japanese Pieris toxic to cats?

Pieris japonica

Toxic to cats

Yes — japanese 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. ASPCA-listed as toxic to dogs and cats (entered as Pieris and Andromeda Japonica). The toxic principle is grayanotoxins, present in all parts; signs include drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea, weakness, slow or abnormal heart rate, low blood pressure, and in severe cases collapse. Keep away from pets and livestock.

What to do if your cat ate japanese pieris

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

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

Is japanese pieris toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is japanese pieris toxic to cats?

Yes — japanese pieris is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. ASPCA-listed as toxic to dogs and cats (entered as Pieris and Andromeda Japonica). The toxic principle is grayanotoxins, present in all parts; signs include drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea, weakness, slow or abnormal heart rate, low blood pressure, and in severe cases collapse. Keep away from pets and livestock.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats japanese pieris?

ASPCA-listed as toxic to dogs and cats (entered as Pieris and Andromeda Japonica). The toxic principle is grayanotoxins, present in all parts; signs include drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea, weakness, slow or abnormal heart rate, low blood pressure, and in severe cases collapse. Keep away from pets and livestock. 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 japanese pieris.

What should I do if my cat ate japanese 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 japanese pieris toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to japanese 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 japanese pieris pet-safety