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If your cat ate japanese privet bonsai — 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 now. If you cannot reach one, a poison-control line will triage you — ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 in the US, or Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509 000 in the UK. Both services charge a fee.

Japanese Privet Bonsai is toxic to cats (ASPCA).

Pet emergency

My cat ate Japanese Privet Bonsai — what to do

Step by step

  1. Take japanese privet bonsai 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 a poison-control line — (888) 426-4435 in the US, or Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509 000 in the UK. Both charge a consultation fee. 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 in the US, or Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509 000 in the UK.

My cat ate japanese privet bonsai — FAQ

Is japanese privet bonsai poisonous to cats?

Yes — the ASPCA lists Japanese Privet Bonsai (Ligustrum japonicum) as toxic to cats. The ASPCA lists privet (Ligustrum, including the wax-leaf/Japanese type) as toxic to dogs, cats and horses. The toxic principle is terpenoid glycosides found in the leaves and berries. Signs range from gastrointestinal upset and drooling to incoordination, raised heart rate and, rarely, death. Keep pets from chewing foliage and ingesting berries or prunings.

How serious is it if my cat ate japanese privet bonsai?

Japanese Privet Bonsai is toxic to cats and reactions can be significant, so treat any ingestion as urgent. Call your vet, or (888) 426-4435 in the US, or Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509 000 in the UK, 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. The ASPCA lists privet (Ligustrum, including the wax-leaf/Japanese type) as toxic to dogs, cats and horses. The toxic principle is terpenoid glycosides found in the leaves and berries. Signs range from gastrointestinal upset and drooling to incoordination, raised heart rate and, rarely, death. Keep pets from chewing foliage and ingesting berries or prunings. 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 a poison-control specialist specifically tells you to. The wrong action can make things worse. Call your vet, or (888) 426-4435 in the US, or Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509 000 in the UK, and follow professional advice.

How do I stop this happening again?

Keep japanese privet bonsai well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best cats-safe plants list.

Type any plant to see what the ASPCA says about it and your cat.

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