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.
cat safety reference
Is Doghobble safe for cats?
Leucothoe spp.
Leucothoe is a genus of evergreen shrubs known for their arching branches and drooping clusters of bell-shaped flowers. These plants contain grayanotoxins, which are harmful if ingested by household pets.
Black LaurelDoghobbleFetterbushLeucothoe spp.
- Light
- Partial shade to full shade
- Habit
- Shrub
- Care
- Moderate
Safety status
What this means for your cat
Cats are believed to be more sensitive than dogs to the grayanotoxins in Doghobble (also called black laurel), and ingestion of just a few leaves can cause serious problems. Treat any chewing as a reason to call the vet right away.
What to watch for
Hypersalivation and repeated vomiting are typically first, followed by diarrhea, weakness, and depression. Larger ingestions can progress to low blood pressure, cardiovascular collapse, coma, and death.
Time window
Clinical signs usually develop within 1–4 hours of ingestion and occasionally take as long as 12 hours to appear.
When to call the vet
Call a veterinarian or ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888-426-4435) right away for any suspected ingestion — do not wait for severe signs to develop. Get to emergency care immediately if your cat is collapsing, unresponsive, or has an irregular pulse.
Sources: ASPCA, Merck Veterinary Manual (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 serious systemic effects due to grayanotoxins; 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
NC State Extension Plant Toolbox
botanical · 94% reliability
Leucothoe species are evergreen shrubs that are known to be toxic to animals if ingested.
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
Poinciana gilliesii
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.
Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.
Boxwood
Buxus spp.
Boxwood is a popular evergreen shrub often used for hedging and topiary, containing steroidal alkaloids that can cause gastrointestinal distress if ingested. It is considered toxic to both cats and dogs.
Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.
Castor Bean
Ricinus communis
The African Wonder Tree is a fast-growing ornamental shrub known for its large, palm-like leaves and unique seed pods. It contains ricin, a highly potent toxin found throughout the plant, with the highest concentration in the seeds.
Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.