Are Hydrangeas Poisonous to Cats?

Are hydrangeas poisonous to cats? Yes—these popular flowering shrubs can cause illness if your cat chews on any part of the plant. Although some types of hydrangeas may be more poisonous than others, all of them carry the risk of toxicity for cats. Here’s how you can keep your cat safe and protected. And if you’re wondering, “are dried hydrangeas poisonous to cats?”, the answer is also yes, since the harmful compounds remain even after the plant is dried.

What Is Hydrangea Poisoning in Cats?

Hydrangea plants, admired for their vibrant and beautiful blooms, are often grown in gardens and kept as houseplants. They are also commonly used as decorative flowers for events. These shrubs feature broad green leaves and produce large clusters of blossoms in shades of pink, red, blue, purple, and white, often resembling snowballs.

The hydrangea, also known as hortensia, seven bark, or hills of the snow, contains the same toxin that is present in almonds, apple and pear seeds, as well as the pits of fruits in the prunus family (peach, cherry, plum, and apricot).

Every part of the hydrangea is considered toxic, with the highest levels found in the leaves and flowers.

Although serious cases are uncommon, mild poisoning is frequently seen and typically causes digestive upset in cats when large amounts are eaten. The harmful compound in hydrangeas is amygdalin, a cyanogenic glycoside that also affects dogs, horses, and livestock.

When chewed, this toxin becomes active and can result in cyanide poisoning. Cyanide acts quickly in the body, preventing it from properly using oxygen.

Key Takeaways

• Every part of the hydrangea plant is poisonous to cats, with the leaves and flowers carrying the highest levels of toxins.
• The exact amount of hydrangea a cat must consume to develop severe poisoning is still unknown.
• Do not attempt to make your cat vomit at home if they have eaten hydrangea.

How Many Hydrangeas Are Toxic to a Cat?

It is not precisely known how much of the hydrangea plant or its blossoms a cat must consume to cause serious poisoning.

Because of this uncertainty and the rapid toxic effects that may happen after ingestion, cat owners should take their pet to the veterinarian right away to prevent the risk of cyanide poisoning.

Since the flowers are brightly colored, cats may be drawn to them, which can lead to quick ingestion in a garden, as a houseplant, or even at events where these blooms are displayed.

Cats are at greater risk of hydrangea poisoning than dogs because of their smaller size.

Cyanide poisoning from the hydrangea is dose-related, meaning the more a cat eats, the higher the likelihood of showing symptoms of toxicity.

Symptoms of Hydrangea Poisoning in Cats

Signs of hydrangea poisoning in cats may include:

• Skin irritation after contact, particularly in cats with sensitive skin or existing skin conditions
• Nausea with drooling
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea, which may sometimes contain blood
• Loss of appetite
• Tiredness and lack of energy
• Weakness or depression
• Stomach pain

In cases where cyanide poisoning develops, symptoms can include:

• Trouble breathing
• Gums that appear pale or bluish
• Rigid limbs
• Seizures
• Increased heart rate
• Coma

Must read: Kitten Diarrhea: Causes, Treatment & Prevention

What Should I Do If My Cat Has Eaten a Hydrangea?

If you see any of these signs or suspect your cat has eaten any part of the hydrangea plant, take them to a veterinarian right away.

Bringing a piece of the plant with you is helpful so the vet can correctly identify it, which will assist in treating your cat’s condition.

If your cat shows no symptoms, you can call the Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661) for guidance, though with this kind of poisoning, a veterinary visit is usually advised.

When a cat consumes a large amount of hydrangea, quick action is crucial, as the effects will worsen over time with continued absorption of the toxin.

Never try to make your cat vomit at home for any suspected poisoning unless your vet specifically instructs you to do so.

Because severe hydrangea poisoning is uncommon, the dangers of inducing vomiting are often greater than the mild symptoms your cat may experience.

Your veterinarian will carry out a physical exam and run initial blood and urine tests to check for other health issues. They may also recommend an abdominal X-ray to rule out different causes of stomach upset.

Treatment of Hydrangea Poisoning in Cats

Treatment for hydrangea poisoning in cats focuses on relieving symptoms, as there is no direct antidote.

The method of care depends on how severe the signs are and how much of the plant was consumed.

If ingestion was recent and the cat is showing symptoms but is otherwise stable, a veterinarian may induce vomiting to remove the plant material and reduce further absorption of toxins.

In more serious cases, gastric lavage (stomach pumping) may be used to clear plant matter from the stomach.

For mild digestive upset, your vet may prescribe anti-nausea medication and antibiotics to help with vomiting and diarrhea.

Dehydration is treated with fluids, given under the skin in less serious cases or through an IV in more critical situations.

If the poisoning is severe, hospitalization may be required for supportive treatment, which can include oxygen therapy if the cat is struggling to breathe.

When a cat’s heart rate is elevated, an EKG may be used to check for abnormal rhythms, and medication may be provided to stabilize the heartbeat.

Prognosis of Hydrangea Poisoning in Cats

Cats that display severe poisoning symptoms but remain alive for two or more hours after the onset of signs typically have a strong chance of recovery, unless cyanide continues to be absorbed through the digestive tract.

In mild situations, once vomiting and diarrhea resolve and the toxin is cleared from the digestive system, the outlook for complete recovery is very good.

Your cat’s appetite and behavior should also return to normal soon after the toxin has been eliminated.

How to Prevent Hydrangea Poisoning in Cats

Although hydrangeas bring beauty and color to your home or garden, they can pose a danger if your cats have access to them. If you keep hydrangea plants indoors or outside, be sure they are placed where your cat cannot reach them. This may mean putting them on high shelves or keeping them in closed-off areas. A safer option is to choose cat-friendly plants for your home and yard.

Hydrangeas are not the only plants that can be harmful to cats. Take time to learn about other indoor and outdoor plants that may be toxic, and keep those out of reach as well. If your cat goes outdoors, supervise them carefully and prevent contact with unsafe plants. To keep them safe, you might transition your cat to an indoor lifestyle. Options like building a catio or leash training with a harness can allow safe outdoor activities.

For guidance on which plants are toxic or safe, you can check the ASPCA Plant Database.

Always keep the contact details of your veterinarian and an emergency animal hospital easily available in case of urgent situations.

If you believe your cat is unwell, contact your veterinarian right away. For any health concerns, always follow your vet’s advice since they know your pet’s history and can recommend the best treatment.

Must read: Cat Anal Gland Issues: Symptoms, Causes & Treatments

FAQs