Is Montpellier Rock Rose toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists montpellier 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 monspeliensis is not listed on the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants database; no specific toxic principle has been identified in the published literature for pets, but since explicit non-toxic confirmation is absent, a precautionary mildly-toxic classification is applied. The resinous labdanoid compounds in the foliage may cause mild gastrointestinal upset or skin irritation if ingested or handled in quantity.

Cistus monspeliensis is not listed on the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants database; no specific toxic principle has been identified in the published literature for pets, but since explicit non-toxic confirmation is absent, a precautionary mildly-toxic classification is applied. The resinous labdanoid compounds in the foliage may cause mild gastrointestinal upset or skin irritation if ingested or handled in quantity. 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 montpellier 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: Montpellier Rock Rose is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full montpellier 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.