Pet emergency
My cat ate Sanders Blue Spruce — what to do
Step by step
- Take sanders blue spruce away and remove any plant material from your cat's mouth so they cannot eat more.
- Note roughly how much was eaten and when — this helps the vet judge the risk.
- Do NOT induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist tells you to.
- 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.
- 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 sanders blue spruce — FAQ
Is sanders blue spruce poisonous to cats?
Yes — Sanders Blue Spruce (Picea glauca 'Sanders Blue') is regarded as mildly toxic to cats, based on genus- and family-level toxicity data. Picea (spruce) is not individually listed on the ASPCA toxic or non-toxic plant lists, so pet-safe status is not ASPCA-confirmed; treat with caution and verify with a vet. Sharp needles and resinous sap may cause oral and gastrointestinal irritation, drooling or mild vomiting if chewed.
How serious is it if my cat ate sanders blue spruce?
Sanders Blue Spruce 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. Picea (spruce) is not individually listed on the ASPCA toxic or non-toxic plant lists, so pet-safe status is not ASPCA-confirmed; treat with caution and verify with a vet. Sharp needles and resinous sap may cause oral and gastrointestinal irritation, drooling or mild vomiting if chewed. 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 sanders blue spruce 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.
Related
- My cat ate white spruce — the species this cultivar belongs to, checked separately
- Is sanders blue spruce toxic to cats? — full toxicity detail
- Sanders Blue Spruce and pets — the complete ASPCA pet-safety guide
- Best plant app for pet owners — which apps actually flag ASPCA toxicity before you buy the plant