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Is Variegated pieris toxic to cats?

Pieris japonica 'Variegata'

Toxic to cats

Yes — variegated pieris 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 with all Pieris japonica cultivars, 'Variegata' contains grayanotoxins throughout all plant parts. Ingestion causes toxic effects in dogs, cats, horses, and humans including vomiting, excessive salivation, weakness, low blood pressure, and cardiac problems. Treat as a poisonous garden plant.

What to do if your cat ate variegated pieris

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

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

Is variegated pieris toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is variegated pieris toxic to cats?

Yes — variegated pieris is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. As with all Pieris japonica cultivars, 'Variegata' contains grayanotoxins throughout all plant parts. Ingestion causes toxic effects in dogs, cats, horses, and humans including vomiting, excessive salivation, weakness, low blood pressure, and cardiac problems. Treat as a poisonous garden plant.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats variegated pieris?

As with all Pieris japonica cultivars, 'Variegata' contains grayanotoxins throughout all plant parts. Ingestion causes toxic effects in dogs, cats, horses, and humans including vomiting, excessive salivation, weakness, low blood pressure, and cardiac problems. Treat as a poisonous garden 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 variegated pieris.

What should I do if my cat ate variegated pieris?

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 variegated pieris toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to variegated pieris?

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 variegated pieris pet-safety