Pet emergency
My cat ate Dawn Redwood 'Ogon' — what to do
Step by step
- Take dawn redwood 'ogon' 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 dawn redwood 'ogon' — FAQ
Is dawn redwood 'ogon' poisonous to cats?
Yes — the ASPCA lists Dawn Redwood 'Ogon' (Metasequoia glyptostroboides 'Ogon') as mildly toxic to cats. Metasequoia glyptostroboides is not individually listed on the ASPCA toxic or non-toxic plant database. Secondary horticultural sources call dawn redwood non-toxic, but in the absence of an ASPCA listing this is unconfirmed; treat with caution and verify with a vet if a pet ingests any part.
How serious is it if my cat ate dawn redwood 'ogon'?
Dawn Redwood 'Ogon' 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. Metasequoia glyptostroboides is not individually listed on the ASPCA toxic or non-toxic plant database. Secondary horticultural sources call dawn redwood non-toxic, but in the absence of an ASPCA listing this is unconfirmed; treat with caution and verify with a vet if a pet ingests any part. 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 dawn redwood 'ogon' well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best cats-safe plants list.
Related
- Is dawn redwood 'ogon' toxic to cats? — full toxicity detail
- Dawn Redwood 'Ogon' and pets — the complete ASPCA pet-safety guide