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Pet safety

Is Leatherleaf toxic to cats?

Chamaedaphne calyculata

Toxic to cats

Yes — leatherleaf 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. Chamaedaphne calyculata contains grayanotoxins (andromedotoxins) throughout all green parts and flowers, as is characteristic of bog-dwelling Ericaceae. These compounds disrupt sodium channels and cause vomiting, drooling, cardiac arrhythmia, hypotension, and paralysis in dogs, cats, and livestock. The species is not individually listed by ASPCA, but grayanotoxin presence in this genus is well documented in toxicology literature. Treat as toxic and keep away from pets.

What to do if your cat ate leatherleaf

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

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

Is leatherleaf toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is leatherleaf toxic to cats?

Yes — leatherleaf is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Chamaedaphne calyculata contains grayanotoxins (andromedotoxins) throughout all green parts and flowers, as is characteristic of bog-dwelling Ericaceae. These compounds disrupt sodium channels and cause vomiting, drooling, cardiac arrhythmia, hypotension, and paralysis in dogs, cats, and livestock. The species is not individually listed by ASPCA, but grayanotoxin presence in this genus is well documented in toxicology literature. Treat as toxic and keep away from pets.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats leatherleaf?

Chamaedaphne calyculata contains grayanotoxins (andromedotoxins) throughout all green parts and flowers, as is characteristic of bog-dwelling Ericaceae. These compounds disrupt sodium channels and cause vomiting, drooling, cardiac arrhythmia, hypotension, and paralysis in dogs, cats, and livestock. The species is not individually listed by ASPCA, but grayanotoxin presence in this genus is well documented in toxicology literature. Treat as toxic and keep away from pets. 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 leatherleaf.

What should I do if my cat ate leatherleaf?

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 leatherleaf toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to leatherleaf?

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 leatherleaf pet-safety