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Is Trailing Azalea toxic to cats?

Loiseleuria procumbens

Toxic to cats

Yes — trailing azalea 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. Loiseleuria procumbens (also treated as Kalmia procumbens) contains grayanotoxins (andromedotoxins), a class of diterpenoid toxins found throughout the Ericaceae. The RHS notes the plant is harmful to cats, dogs, rabbits, and tortoises if eaten, and members of Kalmia are considered extremely poisonous. Ingestion can cause excessive salivation, vomiting, low blood pressure, cardiac arrhythmia, and potentially death in severe cases. Keep all pets and livestock away from this plant.

What to do if your cat ate trailing azalea

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

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

Is trailing azalea toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is trailing azalea toxic to cats?

Yes — trailing azalea is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Loiseleuria procumbens (also treated as Kalmia procumbens) contains grayanotoxins (andromedotoxins), a class of diterpenoid toxins found throughout the Ericaceae. The RHS notes the plant is harmful to cats, dogs, rabbits, and tortoises if eaten, and members of Kalmia are considered extremely poisonous. Ingestion can cause excessive salivation, vomiting, low blood pressure, cardiac arrhythmia, and potentially death in severe cases. Keep all pets and livestock away from this plant.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats trailing azalea?

Loiseleuria procumbens (also treated as Kalmia procumbens) contains grayanotoxins (andromedotoxins), a class of diterpenoid toxins found throughout the Ericaceae. The RHS notes the plant is harmful to cats, dogs, rabbits, and tortoises if eaten, and members of Kalmia are considered extremely poisonous. Ingestion can cause excessive salivation, vomiting, low blood pressure, cardiac arrhythmia, and potentially death in severe cases. Keep all pets and livestock away from 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 trailing azalea.

What should I do if my cat ate trailing azalea?

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 trailing azalea toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Trailing Azalea is toxic to dogs as well. See the full trailing azalea pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to trailing azalea?

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 trailing azalea pet-safety