Growli
Let's go

If your cat ate green gem boxwood — do this now

  1. Take the plant away and clear any pieces from their mouth.
  2. Do not induce vomiting unless told to by a professional.
  3. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 now.

Green Gem Boxwood is toxic to cats (ASPCA).

Pet emergency

My cat ate Green Gem Boxwood — what to do

Step by step

  1. Take green gem boxwood away and remove any plant material from your cat's mouth so they cannot eat more.
  2. Note roughly how much was eaten and when — this helps the vet judge the risk.
  3. Do NOT induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist tells you to.
  4. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 (a consultation fee may apply) and follow their advice.
  5. 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 green gem boxwood — FAQ

Is green gem boxwood poisonous to cats?

Yes — the ASPCA lists Green Gem Boxwood (Buxus 'Green Gem') as toxic to cats. ASPCA lists Buxus (boxwood) as toxic to cats, dogs and horses. The toxic principles are steroidal alkaloids such as buxine; ingestion causes vomiting, diarrhea and, with larger amounts, ataxia and seizures. The bitter foliage usually deters animals, but keep prunings away from pets and discourage chewing.

How serious is it if my cat ate green gem boxwood?

Green Gem Boxwood is toxic to cats and reactions can be significant, so treat any ingestion as urgent. Call your vet or poison control on (888) 426-4435 straight away rather than waiting to see if symptoms develop.

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 Buxus (boxwood) as toxic to cats, dogs and horses. The toxic principles are steroidal alkaloids such as buxine; ingestion causes vomiting, diarrhea and, with larger amounts, ataxia and seizures. The bitter foliage usually deters animals, but keep prunings away from pets and discourage chewing. 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 green gem boxwood well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best cats-safe plants list.

Related