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Is Satsuki Azalea toxic to cats?

Rhododendron indicum

Toxic to cats

Yes — satsuki azalea 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. Rhododendron/azalea is listed by the ASPCA as toxic to cats, dogs and horses. All parts contain grayanotoxins, which can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, drooling, weakness, cardiac arrhythmia, collapse and, in severe cases, death. Keep well away from pets and seek veterinary care immediately if any part is eaten.

What to do if your cat ate satsuki azalea

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

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

Is satsuki azalea toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is satsuki azalea toxic to cats?

Yes — satsuki azalea is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Rhododendron/azalea is listed by the ASPCA as toxic to cats, dogs and horses. All parts contain grayanotoxins, which can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, drooling, weakness, cardiac arrhythmia, collapse and, in severe cases, death. Keep well away from pets and seek veterinary care immediately if any part is eaten.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats satsuki azalea?

Rhododendron/azalea is listed by the ASPCA as toxic to cats, dogs and horses. All parts contain grayanotoxins, which can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, drooling, weakness, cardiac arrhythmia, collapse and, in severe cases, death. Keep well away from pets and seek veterinary care immediately if any part is eaten. 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 satsuki azalea.

What should I do if my cat ate satsuki azalea?

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 satsuki azalea toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Satsuki Azalea is toxic to dogs as well. See the full satsuki azalea pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to satsuki azalea?

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 satsuki azalea pet-safety