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Pet safety

Is Western Bog Laurel toxic to cats?

Kalmia microphylla

Toxic to cats

Yes — western bog 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. Contains grayanotoxins throughout all plant parts, as with all Kalmia species. Toxic to cats, dogs, and horses; ingestion causes salivation, vomiting, diarrhoea, muscle weakness, cardiovascular arrhythmias, loss of coordination, and potentially death.

What to do if your cat ate western bog laurel

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

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

Is western bog laurel toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is western bog laurel toxic to cats?

Yes — western bog laurel is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Contains grayanotoxins throughout all plant parts, as with all Kalmia species. Toxic to cats, dogs, and horses; ingestion causes salivation, vomiting, diarrhoea, muscle weakness, cardiovascular arrhythmias, loss of coordination, and potentially death.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats western bog laurel?

Contains grayanotoxins throughout all plant parts, as with all Kalmia species. Toxic to cats, dogs, and horses; ingestion causes salivation, vomiting, diarrhoea, muscle weakness, cardiovascular arrhythmias, loss of coordination, 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 western bog laurel.

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

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Western Bog Laurel is toxic to dogs as well. See the full western bog laurel pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to western bog 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 western bog laurel pet-safety