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Is Oakleaf Hydrangea toxic to cats?

Hydrangea quercifolia

Toxic to cats

Yes — oakleaf hydrangea 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 Hydrangea as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. Its leaves, buds and flowers contain the cyanogenic glycoside hydrangin, which can release cyanide when chewed. Ingestion typically causes vomiting, diarrhoea and lethargy. Keep prunings and dropped leaves or blooms out of pets' reach.

What to do if your cat ate oakleaf hydrangea

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

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

Is oakleaf hydrangea toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is oakleaf hydrangea toxic to cats?

Yes — oakleaf hydrangea is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. ASPCA-lists Hydrangea as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. Its leaves, buds and flowers contain the cyanogenic glycoside hydrangin, which can release cyanide when chewed. Ingestion typically causes vomiting, diarrhoea and lethargy. Keep prunings and dropped leaves or blooms out of pets' reach.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats oakleaf hydrangea?

ASPCA-lists Hydrangea as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. Its leaves, buds and flowers contain the cyanogenic glycoside hydrangin, which can release cyanide when chewed. Ingestion typically causes vomiting, diarrhoea and lethargy. Keep prunings and dropped leaves or blooms out of pets' reach. 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 oakleaf hydrangea.

What should I do if my cat ate oakleaf hydrangea?

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 oakleaf hydrangea toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to oakleaf hydrangea?

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 oakleaf hydrangea pet-safety