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
Mountain Laurel
Kalmia latifolia
Mountain Laurel is a broadleaf evergreen shrub known for its clusters of showy, cup-shaped flowers. It contains grayanotoxins that are highly dangerous to pets if ingested.
Calico BushKalmia latifoliaLaurelSpoonwood
- 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
Ingestion is considered highly dangerous and potentially fatal. Please contact your veterinarian or an animal poison control center immediately if ingestion is suspected.
Dogs — concern notes
Common signs
Excessive salivation, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, difficulty breathing, paralysis, and potential heart failure.
Escalation note
This plant is considered highly toxic to dogs. Immediate veterinary intervention is required if any part of the plant is consumed.
Safer alternatives
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Source evidence
ASPCA Toxic Plant List
toxicology · 99% reliability
Mountain Laurel contains grayanotoxins which can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and cardiovascular issues in pets.
NC State Extension Plant Toolbox
botanical · 94% reliability
Kalmia latifolia is a native evergreen shrub that is highly toxic to humans and animals if ingested.
Questions about Mountain Laurel
Is Mountain Laurel toxic to cats?
Yes, Mountain Laurel (Kalmia latifolia) is highly toxic to cats. It contains grayanotoxins that are considered highly dangerous and potentially fatal if ingested. Contact your veterinarian or an animal poison control center immediately if you suspect your cat has eaten any part of this plant.
What symptoms will a cat show after eating Mountain Laurel?
Early signs include drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, and abdominal pain. As poisoning progresses, watch closely for weakness, tremors, irregular heart rhythm, or collapse — grayanotoxin poisoning can cause severe cardiac arrhythmias.
What should I do if my cat ate Mountain Laurel?
Call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 immediately — do not wait for symptoms to appear or worsen. Mountain Laurel has caused severe arrhythmias and death in pets, and grayanotoxin poisoning is treated as time-critical.
What part of Mountain Laurel is poisonous to cats?
The grayanotoxins responsible for poisoning are present throughout the plant. No specific part has been identified as safer than another, so all contact with Mountain Laurel — leaves, flowers, stems — should be treated as a potential exposure risk.
Is Mountain Laurel toxic to dogs?
Yes, Mountain Laurel (Kalmia latifolia) is highly toxic to dogs. It contains grayanotoxins that can cause serious poisoning, and any ingestion — of leaves, flowers, or any other part — requires immediate veterinary attention.
What are the symptoms of Mountain Laurel poisoning in dogs?
Early signs include excessive drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and weakness. As poisoning progresses, a dog may develop tremors, irregular heart rhythm, difficulty breathing, paralysis, or collapse. Grayanotoxin poisoning can advance to cardiac failure and death.
What should I do if my dog ate Mountain Laurel?
Call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 immediately — do not wait for symptoms to appear. Grayanotoxin poisoning is time-critical and can progress to cardiac failure; prompt intervention is essential.
How quickly does Mountain Laurel poisoning progress in dogs?
Specific onset times are not documented in the clinical literature, but grayanotoxin poisoning is treated as a medical emergency because progression to irregular heart rhythm, paralysis, and cardiac failure can occur. Veterinary guidance treats any confirmed ingestion as time-critical regardless of how the dog appears at first.
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Same safety verdict
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