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Is Yellow Azalea toxic to cats?

Rhododendron luteum

Toxic to cats

Yes — yellow 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. Rhododendron luteum is toxic to dogs, cats, horses, and humans. All parts of the plant contain grayanotoxins, consistent with the ASPCA's listing of Rhododendron species as toxic to dogs and cats. Symptoms of ingestion include excessive drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea, weakness, and potentially life-threatening cardiac effects. Honey derived from its nectar has caused human poisoning ('mad honey' incidents in Turkey and the Caucasus).

What to do if your cat ate yellow azalea

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

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

Is yellow azalea toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is yellow azalea toxic to cats?

Yes — yellow azalea is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Rhododendron luteum is toxic to dogs, cats, horses, and humans. All parts of the plant contain grayanotoxins, consistent with the ASPCA's listing of Rhododendron species as toxic to dogs and cats. Symptoms of ingestion include excessive drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea, weakness, and potentially life-threatening cardiac effects. Honey derived from its nectar has caused human poisoning ('mad honey' incidents in Turkey and the Caucasus).

What are the symptoms if a cat eats yellow azalea?

Rhododendron luteum is toxic to dogs, cats, horses, and humans. All parts of the plant contain grayanotoxins, consistent with the ASPCA's listing of Rhododendron species as toxic to dogs and cats. Symptoms of ingestion include excessive drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea, weakness, and potentially life-threatening cardiac effects. Honey derived from its nectar has caused human poisoning ('mad honey' incidents in Turkey and the Caucasus). 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 yellow azalea.

What should I do if my cat ate yellow 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 yellow azalea toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to yellow 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 yellow azalea pet-safety