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If your cat ate japanese laurel — 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.

Japanese Laurel is mildly toxic to cats (ASPCA).

Pet emergency

My cat ate Japanese Laurel — what to do

Step by step

  1. Take japanese laurel 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 japanese laurel — FAQ

Is japanese laurel poisonous to cats?

Yes — the ASPCA lists Japanese Laurel (Aucuba japonica) as mildly toxic to cats. All parts of Aucuba japonica, especially the red berries, contain aucubin (an iridoid glycoside) which is toxic to dogs and cats. Ingestion typically causes gastrointestinal signs — vomiting, diarrhoea, drooling — and in large doses can cause neurological effects (trembling, disorientation) and potential liver or kidney stress. The plant is not individually listed by ASPCA but is widely documented as toxic to pets by veterinary authorities including UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine. Keep away from pets and children.

How serious is it if my cat ate japanese laurel?

Japanese Laurel 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. All parts of Aucuba japonica, especially the red berries, contain aucubin (an iridoid glycoside) which is toxic to dogs and cats. Ingestion typically causes gastrointestinal signs — vomiting, diarrhoea, drooling — and in large doses can cause neurological effects (trembling, disorientation) and potential liver or kidney stress. The plant is not individually listed by ASPCA but is widely documented as toxic to pets by veterinary authorities including UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine. Keep away from pets and children. 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 japanese laurel well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best cats-safe plants list.

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