Is Pieris japonica Valley Rose toxic to cats?

Yes — pieris japonica valley rose is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Toxic to cats, dogs and horses. The ASPCA lists Pieris (and Pieris japonica as Andromeda Japonica) as toxic; the toxic principle is grayanotoxins, which disrupt cardiac and skeletal muscle sodium channels. Leaves, petals and pollen are toxic; signs include drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea, weakness, low blood pressure and, in serious cases, cardiovascular collapse.

Toxic to cats, dogs and horses. The ASPCA lists Pieris (and Pieris japonica as Andromeda Japonica) as toxic; the toxic principle is grayanotoxins, which disrupt cardiac and skeletal muscle sodium channels. Leaves, petals and pollen are toxic; signs include drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea, weakness, low blood pressure and, in serious cases, cardiovascular collapse. 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 pieris japonica valley rose.

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: Pieris japonica Valley Rose is toxic to dogs as well. See the full pieris japonica valley rose 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.