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Pet safety

Is Rainbow Leucothoe toxic to cats?

Leucothoe fontanesiana 'Rainbow'

Toxic to cats

Yes — rainbow leucothoe 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 Dog Hobble (Leucothoe species) as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. The toxic principle is grayanotoxin. Clinical signs include vomiting, diarrhea, hypersalivation, cardiovascular collapse, weakness, low blood pressure, and potentially coma or death. 'Rainbow' shares this toxicity; keep away from all pets and livestock.

What to do if your cat ate rainbow leucothoe

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

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

Is rainbow leucothoe toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is rainbow leucothoe toxic to cats?

Yes — rainbow leucothoe is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. ASPCA lists Dog Hobble (Leucothoe species) as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. The toxic principle is grayanotoxin. Clinical signs include vomiting, diarrhea, hypersalivation, cardiovascular collapse, weakness, low blood pressure, and potentially coma or death. 'Rainbow' shares this toxicity; keep away from all pets and livestock.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats rainbow leucothoe?

ASPCA lists Dog Hobble (Leucothoe species) as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. The toxic principle is grayanotoxin. Clinical signs include vomiting, diarrhea, hypersalivation, cardiovascular collapse, weakness, low blood pressure, and potentially coma or death. 'Rainbow' shares this toxicity; keep away from all pets and livestock. 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 rainbow leucothoe.

What should I do if my cat ate rainbow leucothoe?

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 rainbow leucothoe toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Rainbow Leucothoe is toxic to dogs as well. See the full rainbow leucothoe pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to rainbow leucothoe?

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 rainbow leucothoe pet-safety