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Pet safety

Is Sierra laurel toxic to cats?

Leucothoe davisiae

Toxic to cats

Yes — sierra 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. As a Leucothoe species in the Ericaceae family, Sierra laurel contains grayanotoxins (andromedotoxins), which are toxic to dogs, cats, horses, and humans. Ingestion causes vomiting, hypersalivation, low blood pressure, and potentially dangerous cardiac effects. Keep away from pets and children.

What to do if your cat ate sierra laurel

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

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

Is sierra laurel toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is sierra laurel toxic to cats?

Yes — sierra laurel is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. As a Leucothoe species in the Ericaceae family, Sierra laurel contains grayanotoxins (andromedotoxins), which are toxic to dogs, cats, horses, and humans. Ingestion causes vomiting, hypersalivation, low blood pressure, and potentially dangerous cardiac effects. Keep away from pets and children.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats sierra laurel?

As a Leucothoe species in the Ericaceae family, Sierra laurel contains grayanotoxins (andromedotoxins), which are toxic to dogs, cats, horses, and humans. Ingestion causes vomiting, hypersalivation, low blood pressure, and potentially dangerous cardiac effects. Keep away from pets and children. 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 sierra laurel.

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

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

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