Cats
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
cat safety reference
Is Dog Hobble safe for cats?
Leucothoe sp.
Dog Hobble is a genus of evergreen shrubs in the heath family known for their arching branches and drooping clusters of bell-shaped flowers. The plant contains grayanotoxins, which are harmful if ingested by pets.
Dog HobbleFetterbushLeucothoeLeucothoe sp.
- Light
- Partial shade to full shade
- Habit
- Shrub
- Care
- Moderate
Safety status
What this means for your cat
Dog hobble is one of the more dangerous Ericaceae plants for cats: ASPCA explicitly notes that ingestion of just a few leaves can cause serious problems. The grayanotoxins it contains can affect the heart and central nervous system, not just the gut.
What to watch for
Most-to-least common signs in cats: hypersalivation, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness and depression. Severe cases can progress to low blood pressure, cardiovascular collapse, coma, and death.
Time window
ASPCA does not specify an onset window for cats; veterinary literature on grayanotoxin poisoning more broadly reports signs within roughly six hours of ingestion.
When to call the vet
Call immediately — even for a suspected nibble. Do not wait for symptoms. Call again or go to an emergency hospital if you see weakness, collapse, slow or irregular heartbeat, or unresponsiveness.
Sources: ASPCA (no first-aid guidance).
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, weakness, and potential cardiac irregularities.
Escalation note
Ingestion can lead to significant gastrointestinal distress and systemic effects; contact your veterinarian immediately if ingestion is suspected.
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
Leucothoe species contain grayanotoxins which can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and other systemic issues in pets.
Same cat verdict
Related plants for cats
Azalea
Rhododendron spp
Azaleas are flowering shrubs in the Rhododendron genus that contain grayanotoxins, which can cause significant illness if ingested by pets. These plants are highly toxic and require immediate veterinary attention if consumption is suspected.
Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.
Barbados Pride
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Barbados Pride is a flowering shrub known for its striking yellow flowers and long red stamens. It contains compounds that can cause gastrointestinal distress if ingested by pets.
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Boxwood
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