Azaleas are ornamental shrubs that are extremely popular and loved by gardeners everywhere. Not only are they sturdy, resistant plants, but the flowers also turn stunning colors that range from a vibrant jewel color to a pretty, pale pastel hue.
While the plants are gorgeous, durable, and fragrant, keeping them away from your cat is essential. The Azalea bush and all parts of it are poisonous to felines and canines. The saying that curiosity killed the cat was invented for a reason. Cats are naturally curious and will sample, chew on, or rub against anything.
We’ll discuss how Azaleas are poisonous to cats, what you can do if your cat ingests part of the plant.
Are Azaleas Poisonous to Cats?
Yes, Azaleas are poisonous to cats. The plants are also called Rosebays are a species of Rhododendron and are part of the family Ericaceae.
Every part of the plant is toxic to cats, and when they ingest it, the toxin grayanotoxin starts to affect the cat’s sodium levels, which can lead to problems with the skeletal muscles and heart.
Image Credit: Pixabay
What Are the Symptoms of Azalea Poisoning in Cats?
If your cat ingests any part of an Azalea plant, it can display symptoms from 15 minutes to three hours later. That’s one of the reasons it’s crucial to keep azaleas, and other toxic plants, away from your feline companion.
Mild Symptoms
Abnormal heart rate
Stomach pain
Diarrhea
Disorientation
Depression
Over salivating
Appetite loss
Lethargy
Severe Symptoms
Coma
Seizures
Collapse
Temporarily unable to see
What Should You Do If Your Cat Eats Azaleas?
While you should be watching for the symptoms of azalea toxicity in your cat, it’s best to contact your vet immediately if you know that your cat has eaten any part of the plant.
In many cases, the vet will give your cat activated charcoal to help prevent its body from absorbing the poison. The vet may also use a gastric lavage, which will empty the cat’s stomach of the poison.
Depending on the severity of the poisoning, your cat may be kept at the vet’s clinic for up to 48 hours .
Image Credit: Pixabay
How To Prevent Your Cat from Eating Your Azaleas?
While it’s best to remove any azalea bushes from your yard to prevent your cat from eating them, bushes that have been in the yard for years may be challenging to remove. If you love azaleas, you might want to keep them around.
Invest in Pet Repellent Spray
Pet repellent sprays can keep your cat out of the azaleas. Since the spray is bitter and sour, the feline may move away from the plant after taking a bite. Cats dislike sour or bitter flavors.
However, some brands are only effective for 24 hours, and you’ll have to reapply the deterrent after a storm.
Image Credit: Michael-T, Pixabay
Build a Fence
Often, just building a fence around the bush will keep your cat away since it’s too much trouble for them to jump the fence and get into the bushes.
These are just a few of the best ways to prevent your cat from getting into and eating your Azalea bushes. None of these methods are foolproof, and it’s best to keep your cat inside where they can’t get into the bush or remove the bushes in your yard.
Final Thoughts
Although you can purchase plants for your yard that will not harm your pet, azaleas are toxic to cats. You can do a few things to keep your cats from getting into your azaleas, but it’s best not to have the plants and cat in the same yard, if possible.
Patricia is a pet writer and lifelong animal lover. She has two cats (Binx and Link) and one dog (Mystery). Binx was found as a kitten under her house and has been part of the family ever since! Patricia is also a published author under the pen name Skylar McKinzie. When she isn’t writing, Patricia enjoys volunteering at her local animal rescue.
