Cats & Dogs
Potentially toxicConsulted references classify the plant as toxic or irritating for that pet type.
Verified against ASPCA/provenance audit 2026-05-06 on May 6, 2026.
Sources
Pet safety reference
Sheep Laurel
Kalmia angustifolia
Lambkill is a flowering evergreen shrub in the heath family known for containing grayanotoxins. Ingestion of any part of the plant can cause significant health issues in pets.
Kalmia angustifoliaLow laurelSheep laurelWicky
- Light
- Partial shade to full sun
- Habit
- Shrub
- Care
- Moderate
Safety status
If a pet has chewed or swallowed plant material and is showing symptoms, contact a veterinarian or poison resource immediately. This product is for structured reference, not diagnosis.
Cats — concern notes
Common signs
Drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, tremors, and potential cardiac arrhythmias.
Escalation note
This plant is highly toxic. If ingestion is suspected, contact your veterinarian or an animal poison control center immediately.
Dogs — concern notes
Common signs
Excessive salivation, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, difficulty breathing, and potential heart rate irregularities.
Escalation note
Ingestion can lead to severe systemic poisoning. Seek emergency veterinary care if your dog has consumed any part of this plant.
Safer alternatives
No hand-picked alternatives for this plant yet. You can still pick your own using the Compare button on any other plant.
Source evidence
ASPCA Toxic Plant List
toxicology · 99% reliability
Lambkill (Kalmia angustifolia) is listed as toxic to both cats and dogs due to grayanotoxins.
NC State Extension Plant Toolbox
botanical · 94% reliability
Kalmia angustifolia is a native evergreen shrub that is poisonous to livestock and pets if ingested.
Questions about Sheep Laurel
Is sheep laurel toxic to cats?
Yes, sheep laurel (Kalmia angustifolia) is highly toxic to cats. It contains grayanotoxins, and ingestion of any part of the plant can cause serious health issues including cardiac arrhythmias. If you suspect your cat has eaten any part of this plant, contact your vet or a poison control center immediately.
What are the symptoms of sheep laurel poisoning in cats?
Early signs include drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, and abdominal pain. As the grayanotoxins take hold, watch for weakness, tremors, an unsteady gait, slowed or irregular heartbeat, and difficulty breathing. Severely affected cats can collapse. Symptoms typically appear within 1–4 hours of ingestion, though onset can be delayed up to 12 hours.
What should I do if my cat ate sheep laurel?
Do not induce vomiting at home. Remove any remaining plant material from your cat's mouth and surroundings, bag a sample to bring with you, and go to the vet immediately. Call your vet or ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888) 426-4435 right away — don't wait for symptoms to appear, as early supportive care makes a significant difference in outcome.
How long does it take for sheep laurel poisoning to affect cats?
Signs typically develop within 1–4 hours of ingestion, and occasionally as late as 12 hours after exposure. Serious cases require hospitalization and can take several days to fully resolve, so prompt veterinary care is critical even if your cat appears normal shortly after eating the plant.
Is Sheep Laurel toxic to dogs?
Yes, Sheep Laurel (Kalmia angustifolia) is toxic to dogs. It contains grayanotoxins, and ingestion of any part of the plant can cause severe systemic poisoning — no amount is considered safe.
What symptoms does Sheep Laurel cause in dogs?
Signs typically appear within 1–4 hours and include excessive drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea, followed by weakness, tremors, unsteady walking, a slow or irregular heartbeat, and labored breathing. Severe cases can progress to collapse, seizures, or coma, and cardiac effects can persist for 24 hours or more.
What should I do if my dog ate Sheep Laurel?
Remove any plant material from your dog's mouth, bag a sample to bring with you, and go to the vet immediately — do not wait to see if symptoms develop. Do not induce vomiting unless a vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888-426-4435) specifically instructs you to.
How quickly does Sheep Laurel poisoning progress in dogs?
Clinical signs typically develop within 1–4 hours of ingestion, though onset can be delayed up to 12 hours. Once cardiac and neurologic effects appear, they can persist for 24 hours or more and require in-hospital monitoring — small dogs and large ingestions are at highest risk for rapid deterioration.
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