§ Toxic plants · Ericaceae · Checked Oct 2026
Is mountain laurel toxic to cats and dogs?
Yes. Mountain laurel (Kalmia latifolia) is toxic to cats and dogs, according to the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Plant Smart rates its effects Critical, level 4 of 4.
Get a permanent discount if you join Early Access. iPhone and Android, in the contiguous U.S.
§ 010 · Signs
What to watch for
Signs include vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, heart failure, belly pain, drooling, loss of appetite, dullness or depression, wobbliness or poor coordination, stupor, paralysis, weak pulse, lying down and unable to get up, coma, tremors, seizures, fast heartbeat and trouble breathing. Eaten in quantity, it can be fatal. Signs can start within hours; some take a day or more to show.
§ 020 · If it happened
What to do if your pet ate it
Call your vet or a pet poison hotline straight away, even if your pet seems fine: the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, (888) 426-4435, or Pet Poison Helpline, (855) 764-7661. Both are open 24 hours and charge a fee. Have the plant or a photo of it to hand, and don’t make your pet vomit unless a vet tells you to.
§ 030 · Same family
Other Ericaceae plants toxic to pets
Mountain laurel belongs to the Ericaceae family. ASPCA lists these relatives too.
§ 040 · Questions
Questions about mountain laurel and pets
Is mountain laurel toxic to cats?
Yes. ASPCA lists mountain laurel as toxic to cats.
Is mountain laurel toxic to dogs?
Yes. ASPCA lists mountain laurel as toxic to dogs.
What happens if my pet eats mountain laurel?
Signs include vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, heart failure, belly pain, drooling, loss of appetite, dullness or depression, wobbliness or poor coordination, stupor, paralysis, weak pulse, lying down and unable to get up, coma, tremors, seizures, fast heartbeat and trouble breathing. Eaten in quantity, it can be fatal. Plant Smart rates it Critical, level 4 of 4.
What should I do if my pet ate it?
Call your vet or a pet poison hotline right away, even before signs appear: the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435, or Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661. Both charge a fee. Have the plant, or a photo of it, to hand.