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Is Sierra Leucothoe toxic to cats?

Leucothoe davisiae

Toxic to cats

Yes — sierra 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. Leucothoe sp. are classified as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses by the ASPCA. The toxic compound is grayanotoxins (andromedotoxins), which disrupt normal cell membrane sodium-channel function. Signs of poisoning include hypersalivation, vomiting, diarrhoea, weakness, low blood pressure, bradycardia, cardiovascular collapse, coma, and potentially death.

What to do if your cat ate sierra leucothoe

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

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

Is sierra leucothoe toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is sierra leucothoe toxic to cats?

Yes — sierra leucothoe is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Leucothoe sp. are classified as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses by the ASPCA. The toxic compound is grayanotoxins (andromedotoxins), which disrupt normal cell membrane sodium-channel function. Signs of poisoning include hypersalivation, vomiting, diarrhoea, weakness, low blood pressure, bradycardia, cardiovascular collapse, coma, and potentially death.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats sierra leucothoe?

Leucothoe sp. are classified as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses by the ASPCA. The toxic compound is grayanotoxins (andromedotoxins), which disrupt normal cell membrane sodium-channel function. Signs of poisoning include hypersalivation, vomiting, diarrhoea, weakness, low blood pressure, bradycardia, cardiovascular collapse, coma, and potentially death. 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 leucothoe.

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

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

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