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Is Red Sheep Laurel toxic to cats?

Kalmia angustifolia f. rubra

Toxic to cats

Yes — red sheep laurel 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. All parts contain grayanotoxins; the entire Kalmia genus is toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. The common name 'lambkill' reflects historical livestock deaths from grazing. Symptoms include salivation, vomiting, diarrhoea, weakness, cardiovascular arrhythmias, paralysis, and death in severe cases.

What to do if your cat ate red sheep laurel

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

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

Is red sheep laurel toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is red sheep laurel toxic to cats?

Yes — red sheep laurel is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. All parts contain grayanotoxins; the entire Kalmia genus is toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. The common name 'lambkill' reflects historical livestock deaths from grazing. Symptoms include salivation, vomiting, diarrhoea, weakness, cardiovascular arrhythmias, paralysis, and death in severe cases.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats red sheep laurel?

All parts contain grayanotoxins; the entire Kalmia genus is toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. The common name 'lambkill' reflects historical livestock deaths from grazing. Symptoms include salivation, vomiting, diarrhoea, weakness, cardiovascular arrhythmias, paralysis, and death in severe cases. 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 red sheep laurel.

What should I do if my cat ate red sheep laurel?

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 red sheep laurel toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Red Sheep Laurel is toxic to dogs as well. See the full red sheep laurel pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to red sheep laurel?

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 red sheep laurel pet-safety