Are Hydrangeas Toxic to Cats and Dogs? Yes, What to Do

Toxic to cats and dogsCatsDogs

Hortensia Hydrangea macrophylla

Hydrangin (cyanogenic glycoside) · ASPCA

What to do if your pet ate it

If you think your cat or dog ate any part of Hortensia, act quickly. Do not wait for symptoms to appear.

Remove the plant from the pet’s reach.
Call your vet or an emergency animal clinic immediately.
Have the plant’s name or a photo, roughly how much, and when it happened ready when you call.

Do not induce vomiting unless a vet specifically instructs you to. It can make some poisonings worse.

Symptoms

In cats and dogs, contact or ingestion can cause:

Vomiting and diarrhea
Lethargy and weakness
Irregular heartbeat (in severe cases)
Abdominal pain

Non-toxic plants for the same spot and light

Non-toxic plants that suit the same spot:

Spider plantChlorophytum comosumMedium / indirect lightPet-safe

Moth orchidPhalaenopsis spp.Medium / indirect lightPet-safe

Boston fernNephrolepis exaltataMedium / indirect lightPet-safe

Kentia palmHowea forsterianaMedium / indirect lightPet-safe

Pet-safety information in the JungleBook uses ASPCA reference data where available. It is reference information, not veterinary advice.

All Hortensia guides

Related plants

Same genus or the same care pattern.

Florist chrysanthemum: Pet toxicityChrysanthemum morifoliumToxic to pets

Peace lilySpathiphyllum wallisiiToxic to pets

Bird of paradiseStrelitzia reginaeToxic to pets

AnthuriumAnthurium andraeanumSame light and wateringToxic to pets

Frequently asked questions

Is Hortensia toxic to cats?

Yes, Hortensia, which contains hydrangin (cyanogenic glycoside), is toxic to cats. If your cat chews or ingests any part of the plant, contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center right away. Symptoms can include drooling, vomiting, and oral irritation.

Is Hortensia toxic to dogs?

Yes, Hortensia is toxic to dogs. Contact your vet immediately if your dog eats any part of it. Do not wait for symptoms.

What should I do if my cat ate Hortensia?

Call your vet or an emergency animal clinic immediately. You can also contact the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (24/7). Try to bring a piece of the plant or a photo so the vet can identify the species. Do not try to induce vomiting unless instructed by a professional.

Can I keep Hortensia with pets?

Hortensia is toxic to cats and dogs, so it is best kept out of reach: ideally in a room your pets cannot access, or replaced with a non-toxic alternative. See the pet-safe alternatives listed on this page.