Growli
Let's go

Pet safety

Is Serrated Enkianthus toxic to cats?

Enkianthus serrulatus

Toxic to cats

Yes — serrated enkianthus 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. Enkianthus serrulatus belongs to the Ericaceae family and contains grayanotoxins throughout all plant parts. In dogs and cats, ingestion causes vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, bradycardia, cardiac arrhythmias, hypotension, weakness, and CNS depression. Veterinary attention should be sought immediately after suspected ingestion.

What to do if your cat ate serrated enkianthus

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

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

Is serrated enkianthus toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is serrated enkianthus toxic to cats?

Yes — serrated enkianthus is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Enkianthus serrulatus belongs to the Ericaceae family and contains grayanotoxins throughout all plant parts. In dogs and cats, ingestion causes vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, bradycardia, cardiac arrhythmias, hypotension, weakness, and CNS depression. Veterinary attention should be sought immediately after suspected ingestion.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats serrated enkianthus?

Enkianthus serrulatus belongs to the Ericaceae family and contains grayanotoxins throughout all plant parts. In dogs and cats, ingestion causes vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, bradycardia, cardiac arrhythmias, hypotension, weakness, and CNS depression. Veterinary attention should be sought immediately after suspected ingestion. 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 serrated enkianthus.

What should I do if my cat ate serrated enkianthus?

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 serrated enkianthus toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Serrated Enkianthus is toxic to dogs as well. See the full serrated enkianthus pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to serrated enkianthus?

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 serrated enkianthus pet-safety