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Are rhododendron/azalea on my shoes toxic if my cat rubs them?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

If I stepped on/by a Rhododendron, and some Azaleas when I was planting other plants. If I'm not positive that my shoes will survive the washer, because of the material they are made out of, can I just spray them off with the hose? to wash off any Pollen and Sap from the plants so My cats won't get any on their fur or ingest any when they rub against my shoes? I take them off at the door inside but my cats still rub against them so for now they are sitting outside so they can't get to them.

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on May 30th, 2019

I don't think you need to worry about this at all. The cat has to actually ingest the plant itself for it to be toxic. You just stepping on the plant should not transfer anything toxic.

It is up to you though how you want to handle this. If you want to be safe then yes, rinsing your shoes off thoroughly with a hose and leaving them out of reach of the cats is a good idea.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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