Toxic to cats · Plants

Is Burning Bush toxic to cats?

Extreme severity No safe amount — No amount is considered safe.

Yes. Even a small amount can be life-threatening — treat any exposure as an emergency and contact a vet immediately.

Symptoms to watch for

  • vomiting
  • diarrhea
  • weakness
  • cardiac effects
  • seizures
  • coma

How vets treat it

Immediate veterinary intervention is required for decontamination, cardiac monitoring, and supportive care for seizures or gastrointestinal distress.

Why it's dangerous

The plant contains cardiac glycosides that affect heart function and compounds that act as dangerous purgatives with strong laxative effects.

Toxic compound: Cardiac glycosides

Good to know

All parts of the plant are toxic; it is currently on the FDA's unsafe herb list. Cardiac effects are particularly noted in herbivores.

Sources

This page is informational and is not veterinary advice. If your pet has been exposed to something risky, contact your vet or an animal poison control line right away.

More substances toxic to cats

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