Toxic to cats · Plants

Is Hydrangea toxic to cats?

Moderate severity

Yes. It can cause real illness — contact your vet if your pet has been exposed.

Symptoms to watch for

  • Lethargy
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea

How vets treat it

Monitor for gastrointestinal upset and dehydration; contact a veterinarian if symptoms persist or if a large amount was consumed.

Why it's dangerous

The plant contains cyanogenic glycosides, which are most concentrated in the leaves and flowers and can cause gastrointestinal distress and systemic lethargy upon ingestion.

Toxic compound: cyanogenic glycosides

Good to know

The flower color can vary between pink, blue, and white depending on the soil pH.

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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