Is Oxydendrum arboreum toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists oxydendrum arboreum 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. Oxydendrum arboreum is not individually listed by the ASPCA, so its status for cats and dogs is unconfirmed; treat with caution and verify with a vet. It belongs to the heath family (Ericaceae), which includes plants with toxic grayanotoxins, so prudently avoid letting pets ingest the foliage even though sourwood itself is not documented as a major toxin.

Oxydendrum arboreum is not individually listed by the ASPCA, so its status for cats and dogs is unconfirmed; treat with caution and verify with a vet. It belongs to the heath family (Ericaceae), which includes plants with toxic grayanotoxins, so prudently avoid letting pets ingest the foliage even though sourwood itself is not documented as a major toxin. 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 oxydendrum arboreum.

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: Oxydendrum arboreum is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full oxydendrum arboreum 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.