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Is Nandina Gulf Stream toxic to cats?

Nandina domestica 'Gulf Stream'

Toxic to cats

Yes — nandina gulf stream 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. ASPCA lists Nandina (heavenly bamboo) as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. The toxic principle is cyanogenic glycosides, which release cyanide when the plant tissue is chewed and digested; signs include weakness, incoordination, seizures, respiratory distress, and rarely death. The berries are the chief hazard, so this low-fruiting cultivar is safer but still toxic; keep it away from pets.

What to do if your cat ate nandina gulf stream

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

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

Is nandina gulf stream toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is nandina gulf stream toxic to cats?

Yes — nandina gulf stream is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. ASPCA lists Nandina (heavenly bamboo) as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. The toxic principle is cyanogenic glycosides, which release cyanide when the plant tissue is chewed and digested; signs include weakness, incoordination, seizures, respiratory distress, and rarely death. The berries are the chief hazard, so this low-fruiting cultivar is safer but still toxic; keep it away from pets.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats nandina gulf stream?

ASPCA lists Nandina (heavenly bamboo) as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. The toxic principle is cyanogenic glycosides, which release cyanide when the plant tissue is chewed and digested; signs include weakness, incoordination, seizures, respiratory distress, and rarely death. The berries are the chief hazard, so this low-fruiting cultivar is safer but still toxic; keep it 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 nandina gulf stream.

What should I do if my cat ate nandina gulf stream?

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 nandina gulf stream toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Nandina Gulf Stream is toxic to dogs as well. See the full nandina gulf stream pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to nandina gulf stream?

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 nandina gulf stream pet-safety