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Is Shining fetterbush toxic to cats?

Lyonia lucida

Toxic to cats

Yes — shining fetterbush 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. Like all Lyonia species, L. lucida contains grayanotoxins (andromedotoxins) throughout leaves, stems, and flowers. These sodium-channel-disrupting compounds are toxic to dogs, cats, horses, and other livestock, causing vomiting, drooling, bradycardia, hypotension, and weakness. The name 'fetterbush' itself reflects the plant's ability to fetter or impair animals that browse it. Do not allow pets or grazing animals access.

What to do if your cat ate shining fetterbush

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

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

Is shining fetterbush toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is shining fetterbush toxic to cats?

Yes — shining fetterbush is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Like all Lyonia species, L. lucida contains grayanotoxins (andromedotoxins) throughout leaves, stems, and flowers. These sodium-channel-disrupting compounds are toxic to dogs, cats, horses, and other livestock, causing vomiting, drooling, bradycardia, hypotension, and weakness. The name 'fetterbush' itself reflects the plant's ability to fetter or impair animals that browse it. Do not allow pets or grazing animals access.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats shining fetterbush?

Like all Lyonia species, L. lucida contains grayanotoxins (andromedotoxins) throughout leaves, stems, and flowers. These sodium-channel-disrupting compounds are toxic to dogs, cats, horses, and other livestock, causing vomiting, drooling, bradycardia, hypotension, and weakness. The name 'fetterbush' itself reflects the plant's ability to fetter or impair animals that browse it. Do not allow pets or grazing animals access. 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 shining fetterbush.

What should I do if my cat ate shining fetterbush?

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 shining fetterbush toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Shining fetterbush is toxic to dogs as well. See the full shining fetterbush pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to shining fetterbush?

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 shining fetterbush pet-safety