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If your cat ate king billy pine — 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.

King Billy Pine is mildly toxic to cats (ASPCA).

Pet emergency

My cat ate King Billy Pine — what to do

Step by step

  1. Take king billy pine 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 king billy pine — FAQ

Is king billy pine poisonous to cats?

Yes — the ASPCA lists King Billy Pine (Athrotaxis selaginoides) as mildly toxic to cats. Athrotaxis is not individually listed by the ASPCA as toxic or non-toxic to cats and dogs. With no authoritative listing, treat it as uncertain — a possible GI irritant if chewed — and verify with a vet rather than assuming it is safe around pets.

How serious is it if my cat ate king billy pine?

King Billy Pine 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. Athrotaxis is not individually listed by the ASPCA as toxic or non-toxic to cats and dogs. With no authoritative listing, treat it as uncertain — a possible GI irritant if chewed — and verify with a vet rather than assuming it is safe around pets. 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 king billy pine well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best cats-safe plants list.

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