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Pet safety

Is Scarletta Leucothoe toxic to cats?

Leucothoe fontanesiana 'Scarletta'

Toxic to cats

Yes — scarletta 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, coma, and potentially death. 'Scarletta' shares this toxicity; keep well away from all pets and livestock.

What to do if your cat ate scarletta leucothoe

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

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

Is scarletta leucothoe toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is scarletta leucothoe toxic to cats?

Yes — scarletta 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, coma, and potentially death. 'Scarletta' shares this toxicity; keep well away from all pets and livestock.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats scarletta 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, coma, and potentially death. 'Scarletta' shares this toxicity; keep well 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 scarletta leucothoe.

What should I do if my cat ate scarletta 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 scarletta leucothoe toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to scarletta 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 scarletta leucothoe pet-safety