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Pet safety

Is Sheep Laurel toxic to cats?

Kalmia angustifolia

Toxic to cats

Yes — 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 of the plant are highly toxic — one of the most poisonous native North American shrubs. Contains andromedotoxin (grayanotoxin), which disrupts sodium channels. Toxic to dogs, cats, horses, livestock (historically caused mass sheep deaths), and humans. As little as 0.15% body weight of foliage is lethal to sheep. Never ingest any part of this plant.

What to do if your cat ate sheep laurel

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

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

Is sheep laurel toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is sheep laurel toxic to cats?

Yes — 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 of the plant are highly toxic — one of the most poisonous native North American shrubs. Contains andromedotoxin (grayanotoxin), which disrupts sodium channels. Toxic to dogs, cats, horses, livestock (historically caused mass sheep deaths), and humans. As little as 0.15% body weight of foliage is lethal to sheep. Never ingest any part of this plant.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats sheep laurel?

All parts of the plant are highly toxic — one of the most poisonous native North American shrubs. Contains andromedotoxin (grayanotoxin), which disrupts sodium channels. Toxic to dogs, cats, horses, livestock (historically caused mass sheep deaths), and humans. As little as 0.15% body weight of foliage is lethal to sheep. Never ingest any part of this plant. 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 sheep laurel.

What should I do if my cat ate 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 sheep laurel toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to 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 sheep laurel pet-safety