Pet emergency
My cat ate Cedar of Lebanon — what to do
Step by step
- Take cedar of lebanon away and remove any plant material from your cat's mouth so they cannot eat more.
- Note roughly how much was eaten and when — this helps the vet judge the risk.
- Do NOT induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist tells you to.
- Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 (a consultation fee may apply) and follow their advice.
- Watch for drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or lethargy, and bring a leaf or photo to the appointment.
This is general guidance, not veterinary advice. Pets vary, and a reaction may be to soil, fertiliser, or pesticide as well as the plant. When in doubt, call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435.
My cat ate cedar of lebanon — FAQ
Is cedar of lebanon poisonous to cats?
Yes — the ASPCA lists Cedar of Lebanon (Cedrus libani) as mildly toxic to cats. ASPCA lists Cedrus libani and Cedrus species as toxic to dogs and cats. Ingestion of foliage or bark may cause vomiting and skin irritation due to aromatic essential oils and resin. Classified as mildly toxic; significant toxicity is uncommon but pets should be discouraged from chewing on the tree.
How serious is it if my cat ate cedar of lebanon?
Cedar of Lebanon is mildly toxic, so most cats get short-lived mouth irritation, drooling, and vomiting rather than a life-threatening reaction. It is still worth a vet call to be safe, especially if your cat ate a lot or symptoms persist.
What symptoms should I watch for?
Signs usually appear soon after chewing: drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy. ASPCA lists Cedrus libani and Cedrus species as toxic to dogs and cats. Ingestion of foliage or bark may cause vomiting and skin irritation due to aromatic essential oils and resin. Classified as mildly toxic; significant toxicity is uncommon but pets should be discouraged from chewing on the tree. Any worsening or persistent symptoms warrant an immediate vet visit.
Should I make my cat vomit?
No — do not induce vomiting unless a vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center specifically tells you to. The wrong action can make things worse. Call (888) 426-4435 and follow professional advice.
How do I stop this happening again?
Keep cedar of lebanon well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best cats-safe plants list.
Related
- Is cedar of lebanon toxic to cats? — full toxicity detail
- Cedar of Lebanon and pets — the complete ASPCA pet-safety guide