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If your cat ate winter gold mugo 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.

Winter Gold Mugo Pine is mildly toxic to cats (ASPCA).

Pet emergency

My cat ate Winter Gold Mugo Pine — what to do

Step by step

  1. Take winter gold mugo 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 winter gold mugo pine — FAQ

Is winter gold mugo pine poisonous to cats?

Yes — the ASPCA lists Winter Gold Mugo Pine (Pinus mugo 'Winter Gold') as mildly toxic to cats. Pinus mugo is not individually listed by the ASPCA; the closest entry, Ponderosa Pine, is listed as toxic to horses only (isocupressic acid) and is not classed as toxic to dogs or cats. Because mugo pine is not affirmatively listed as non-toxic, treat with caution: needles and resinous sap can cause gastrointestinal upset, and stiff needles pose a mechanical hazard. Verify with a vet if a pet ingests it.

How serious is it if my cat ate winter gold mugo pine?

Winter Gold Mugo 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. Pinus mugo is not individually listed by the ASPCA; the closest entry, Ponderosa Pine, is listed as toxic to horses only (isocupressic acid) and is not classed as toxic to dogs or cats. Because mugo pine is not affirmatively listed as non-toxic, treat with caution: needles and resinous sap can cause gastrointestinal upset, and stiff needles pose a mechanical hazard. Verify with a vet if a pet ingests it. 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 winter gold mugo 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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