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Is Mountain Fetterbush toxic to cats?

Pieris floribunda

Toxic to cats

Yes — mountain fetterbush 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. All parts of Pieris floribunda contain grayanotoxins (andromedotoxins), as is characteristic of the entire Pieris genus. The ASPCA classifies Pieris species as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. Ingestion can cause salivation, vomiting, depression, ataxia, hypotension, and in severe cases cardiac arrhythmia requiring veterinary emergency treatment.

What to do if your cat ate mountain fetterbush

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

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

Is mountain fetterbush toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is mountain fetterbush toxic to cats?

Yes — mountain fetterbush is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. All parts of Pieris floribunda contain grayanotoxins (andromedotoxins), as is characteristic of the entire Pieris genus. The ASPCA classifies Pieris species as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. Ingestion can cause salivation, vomiting, depression, ataxia, hypotension, and in severe cases cardiac arrhythmia requiring veterinary emergency treatment.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats mountain fetterbush?

All parts of Pieris floribunda contain grayanotoxins (andromedotoxins), as is characteristic of the entire Pieris genus. The ASPCA classifies Pieris species as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. Ingestion can cause salivation, vomiting, depression, ataxia, hypotension, and in severe cases cardiac arrhythmia requiring veterinary emergency treatment. 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 mountain fetterbush.

What should I do if my cat ate mountain fetterbush?

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 mountain fetterbush toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to mountain fetterbush?

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 mountain fetterbush pet-safety