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Is Keiske's Leucothoe toxic to cats?

Leucothoe keiskei

Toxic to cats

Yes — keiske's leucothoe 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. Leucothoe sp. are listed as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses by the ASPCA. The toxic principle is grayanotoxins (andromedotoxins), which disrupt sodium channels. Clinical signs include hypersalivation, vomiting, diarrhoea, weakness, low blood pressure, cardiovascular collapse, coma, and potentially death; even a few leaves can cause serious poisoning.

What to do if your cat ate keiske's leucothoe

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

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

Is keiske's leucothoe toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is keiske's leucothoe toxic to cats?

Yes — keiske's leucothoe is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Leucothoe sp. are listed as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses by the ASPCA. The toxic principle is grayanotoxins (andromedotoxins), which disrupt sodium channels. Clinical signs include hypersalivation, vomiting, diarrhoea, weakness, low blood pressure, cardiovascular collapse, coma, and potentially death; even a few leaves can cause serious poisoning.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats keiske's leucothoe?

Leucothoe sp. are listed as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses by the ASPCA. The toxic principle is grayanotoxins (andromedotoxins), which disrupt sodium channels. Clinical signs include hypersalivation, vomiting, diarrhoea, weakness, low blood pressure, cardiovascular collapse, coma, and potentially death; even a few leaves can cause serious poisoning. 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 keiske's leucothoe.

What should I do if my cat ate keiske's leucothoe?

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 keiske's leucothoe toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Keiske's Leucothoe is toxic to dogs as well. See the full keiske's leucothoe pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to keiske's leucothoe?

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 keiske's leucothoe pet-safety