Is Camellia Toxic to Dogs and Cats? (2026)

No treatment is needed. The glossy, leathery leaves are fairly tough, so most pets show little interest in chewing them anyway.

Camellia is not known to contain toxic compounds harmful to dogs, cats, or horses.

Camellia is confirmed non-toxic to dogs and cats by the ASPCA. It shares its genus with the tea plant (Camellia sinensis) but is a different species grown for its showy winter and spring blooms rather than for leaves — importantly, it doesn't carry the caffeine content that makes tea leaves themselves a separate concern for pets.

Scientific name

Camellia japonica

Family

Theaceae

Also known as

Camellia, Common Camellia, Peony Camellia

Typically found

both