Is Catawba Rhododendron 'Roseum Elegans' toxic to cats?

Yes — catawba rhododendron 'roseum elegans' 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 per the ASPCA, which lists Rhododendron/Azalea as toxic. All parts contain grayanotoxins; ingestion causes drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, and at higher doses cardiac arrhythmia, collapse, and possible death. Honey made from rhododendron nectar can also be toxic. Treat any ingestion as an emergency.

Toxic to cats, dogs, and horses per the ASPCA, which lists Rhododendron/Azalea as toxic. All parts contain grayanotoxins; ingestion causes drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, and at higher doses cardiac arrhythmia, collapse, and possible death. Honey made from rhododendron nectar can also be toxic. Treat any ingestion as an emergency. 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 catawba rhododendron 'roseum elegans'.

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: Catawba Rhododendron 'Roseum Elegans' is toxic to dogs as well. See the full catawba rhododendron 'roseum elegans' 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.