Is Stewartia pseudocamellia toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists stewartia pseudocamellia as mildly toxic to cats — a chewing cat typically gets mouth irritation, drooling, and vomiting rather than a medical emergency, but it is still best kept out of reach. Not individually listed by the ASPCA, so its toxicity status is uncertain; treat with caution and verify with a vet. There is no established record of serious toxicity for Stewartia, but absence of an ASPCA listing means pet safety is unconfirmed, so do not assume pet-safe and seek veterinary advice if a pet ingests plant material.

Not individually listed by the ASPCA, so its toxicity status is uncertain; treat with caution and verify with a vet. There is no established record of serious toxicity for Stewartia, but absence of an ASPCA listing means pet safety is unconfirmed, so do not assume pet-safe and seek veterinary advice if a pet ingests plant material. 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 stewartia pseudocamellia.

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.

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Stewartia pseudocamellia is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full stewartia pseudocamellia pet-safety guide for both species.

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.