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If your cat ate incense cedar — 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.

Incense Cedar is mildly toxic to cats (ASPCA).

Pet emergency

My cat ate Incense Cedar — what to do

Step by step

  1. Take incense cedar 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 incense cedar — FAQ

Is incense cedar poisonous to cats?

Yes — the ASPCA lists Incense Cedar (Calocedrus decurrens) as mildly toxic to cats. Calocedrus decurrens is not individually listed by ASPCA. Cedar-family foliage contains volatile oils that may cause gastrointestinal irritation if ingested by pets. Cedar wood dust and oils can irritate mucous membranes. Treat with the same precautions as other arborvitae family members and keep away from pets that browse ornamental conifers.

How serious is it if my cat ate incense cedar?

Incense Cedar 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. Calocedrus decurrens is not individually listed by ASPCA. Cedar-family foliage contains volatile oils that may cause gastrointestinal irritation if ingested by pets. Cedar wood dust and oils can irritate mucous membranes. Treat with the same precautions as other arborvitae family members and keep away from pets that browse ornamental conifers. 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 incense cedar well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best cats-safe plants list.

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