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If your cat ate pinnate santolina — 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.

Pinnate Santolina is mildly toxic to cats (ASPCA).

Pet emergency

My cat ate Pinnate Santolina — what to do

Step by step

  1. Take pinnate santolina 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 pinnate santolina — FAQ

Is pinnate santolina poisonous to cats?

Yes — the ASPCA lists Pinnate Santolina (Santolina pinnata) as mildly toxic to cats. Santolina is not listed on the ASPCA toxic or non-toxic plant database for cats or dogs. The leaves contain volatile aromatic oils that can cause contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals and mild gastrointestinal upset if ingested by pets in quantity; bruised foliage has been recorded causing a rash on sensitive skin. Treat with caution around cats and dogs.

How serious is it if my cat ate pinnate santolina?

Pinnate Santolina 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. Santolina is not listed on the ASPCA toxic or non-toxic plant database for cats or dogs. The leaves contain volatile aromatic oils that can cause contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals and mild gastrointestinal upset if ingested by pets in quantity; bruised foliage has been recorded causing a rash on sensitive skin. Treat with caution around cats and dogs. 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 pinnate santolina well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best cats-safe plants list.

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