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If your cat ate oriental arborvitae — 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.

Oriental Arborvitae is mildly toxic to cats (ASPCA).

Pet emergency

My cat ate Oriental Arborvitae — what to do

Step by step

  1. Take oriental arborvitae 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 oriental arborvitae — FAQ

Is oriental arborvitae poisonous to cats?

Yes — Oriental Arborvitae (Platycladus orientalis) is regarded as mildly toxic to cats, based on genus- and family-level toxicity data. Platycladus orientalis is not individually listed by ASPCA. Arborvitae foliage contains thujone, a monoterpene ketone that can cause gastrointestinal upset, excessive salivation, and mild neurological signs in dogs and cats if ingested in quantity. Seeds and foliage should be kept away from pets and children.

How serious is it if my cat ate oriental arborvitae?

Oriental Arborvitae 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. Platycladus orientalis is not individually listed by ASPCA. Arborvitae foliage contains thujone, a monoterpene ketone that can cause gastrointestinal upset, excessive salivation, and mild neurological signs in dogs and cats if ingested in quantity. Seeds and foliage should be kept 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 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 oriental arborvitae 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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