Fetterbush

Fetterbush is an evergreen shrub in the rhododendron family, and the whole plant — leaves, flowers, and nectar — contains grayanotoxin. Even a small amount can start vomiting, drooling, and low blood pressure, progressing to arrhythmia and coma, so keep it out of any space you share with a cat.

Rhododendron-family plants with the same poison

Fetterbush's grayanotoxin is exactly the same cardiac toxin found in azaleas and rhododendrons, mountain laurel (Kalmia), and leucothoe. They look different from one another, but the mechanism is identical — treat every shrub in this family as dangerous regardless of type.

How cats get exposed

You'll meet it as a landscaping or garden shrub, or in a pot. Chewing the leaves is the most common route, but the flowers and nectar are toxic too. If you grow it on a balcony or in the garden, keep it fully separated from your cat's paths and clear fallen leaves and flowers the same day.

How symptoms progress

Signs usually begin within 2–6 hours with vomiting, drooling, and diarrhea. As grayanotoxin acts on the heart and nerves, blood pressure falls and the heartbeat slows or turns irregular, progressing in severe cases to arrhythmia, reduced consciousness, and coma. Cardiac effects can appear late, so mild early signs are no reason to relax.

What to do right now

If there's any sign your cat chewed or swallowed it, go to a 24-hour emergency vet immediately even if symptoms look mild. Don't induce vomiting at home; note the part and amount eaten and bring the remaining plant to help manage the heart and blood pressure.