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Is Purple Mountain Heath toxic to cats?

Phyllodoce caerulea

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists purple mountain heath 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. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List. Phyllodoce caerulea is not listed in the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant database. As an Ericaceae species growing alongside genera known to contain grayanotoxins (Rhododendron, Kalmia, Pieris), and given no confirmed ASPCA non-toxic listing, it is classified here as mildly-toxic as a precautionary measure. Keep cats and dogs away and consult a veterinarian if ingestion occurs.

What to do if your cat ate purple mountain heath

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

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

Is purple mountain heath toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is purple mountain heath toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists purple mountain heath 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. Phyllodoce caerulea is not listed in the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant database. As an Ericaceae species growing alongside genera known to contain grayanotoxins (Rhododendron, Kalmia, Pieris), and given no confirmed ASPCA non-toxic listing, it is classified here as mildly-toxic as a precautionary measure. Keep cats and dogs away and consult a veterinarian if ingestion occurs.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats purple mountain heath?

Phyllodoce caerulea is not listed in the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant database. As an Ericaceae species growing alongside genera known to contain grayanotoxins (Rhododendron, Kalmia, Pieris), and given no confirmed ASPCA non-toxic listing, it is classified here as mildly-toxic as a precautionary measure. Keep cats and dogs away and consult a veterinarian if ingestion occurs. 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 purple mountain heath.

What should I do if my cat ate purple mountain heath?

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 purple mountain heath toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Purple Mountain Heath is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full purple mountain heath pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to purple mountain heath?

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 purple mountain heath pet-safety