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Pet safety

Is Mountain Laurel 'Olympic Fire' toxic to cats?

Kalmia latifolia 'Olympic Fire'

Toxic to cats

Yes — mountain laurel 'olympic fire' 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 laurel (Kalmia) as toxic to dogs, cats and horses. All parts contain grayanotoxins; ingestion can cause drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea, weakness, abnormal heart rhythm, low blood pressure, seizures and, in severe cases, death. Even small quantities and honey from the flowers are dangerous.

What to do if your cat ate mountain laurel 'olympic fire'

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

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

Is mountain laurel 'olympic fire' toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is mountain laurel 'olympic fire' toxic to cats?

Yes — mountain laurel 'olympic fire' is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. ASPCA lists laurel (Kalmia) as toxic to dogs, cats and horses. All parts contain grayanotoxins; ingestion can cause drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea, weakness, abnormal heart rhythm, low blood pressure, seizures and, in severe cases, death. Even small quantities and honey from the flowers are dangerous.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats mountain laurel 'olympic fire'?

ASPCA lists laurel (Kalmia) as toxic to dogs, cats and horses. All parts contain grayanotoxins; ingestion can cause drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea, weakness, abnormal heart rhythm, low blood pressure, seizures and, in severe cases, death. Even small quantities and honey from the flowers are dangerous. 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 laurel 'olympic fire'.

What should I do if my cat ate mountain laurel 'olympic fire'?

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 laurel 'olympic fire' toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Mountain Laurel 'Olympic Fire' is toxic to dogs as well. See the full mountain laurel 'olympic fire' pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to mountain laurel 'olympic fire'?

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 laurel 'olympic fire' pet-safety