Is Laurel-Leaved Rock Rose toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists laurel-leaved rock rose as mildly toxic to cats — a chewing cat typically gets mouth irritation, drooling, and vomiting rather than a medical emergency, but it is still best kept out of reach. Cistus laurifolius is not listed in the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant database. No specific toxic principles have been identified in veterinary or horticultural literature. Classified here as mildly-toxic as a precaution because the genus has not been formally assessed by ASPCA; the resinous sap may cause mild skin irritation.

Cistus laurifolius is not listed in the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant database. No specific toxic principles have been identified in veterinary or horticultural literature. Classified here as mildly-toxic as a precaution because the genus has not been formally assessed by ASPCA; the resinous sap may cause mild skin irritation. 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 laurel-leaved rock rose.

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: Laurel-Leaved Rock Rose is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full laurel-leaved rock rose 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.