Pet safety
Is Arborvitaetoxic to cats & dogs?
Thuja occidentalis
Quick verdict — at a glance
- Toxic to cats?
- Yes — toxic
- Toxic to dogs?
- Yes — toxic
- ASPCA classification
- Toxic to pets · botanical name Thuja occidentalis
Is arborvitae safe for cats and dogs?
Toxic — the ASPCA lists arborvitae as a clear no for cats and dogs. The painful part for the pet is usually quick and intense; the right move is to keep it out of any room a pet roams unsupervised. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List, the most widely used reference for companion-animal plant safety in the US and the standard most UK vets cite as well. Arborvitae (Thuja) is not listed on the ASPCA toxic or non-toxic plant database, so its safety cannot be confirmed there — and claims that the ASPCA lists it as non-toxic are a misattribution. All parts contain thujone (plus tropolones); thujone is a recognised neurotoxin (the regulated convulsant also found in wormwood and absinthe), most concentrated in the cones, wood and twig tips. Small nibbles typically cause gastrointestinal upset (vomiting, diarrhoea, drooling), but larger ingestions can cause neurological effects including seizures, plus liver and kidney injury; horses, goats and sheep are especially susceptible and serious livestock poisoning is documented. Because authoritative toxicology flags a real systemic hazard, treat arborvitae as toxic: keep clippings away from pets and grazing animals, and contact your vet or a poison control line straight away if any is eaten — do not assume it is pet-safe.
| Pet | Toxic? | Per ASPCA |
|---|---|---|
| Cats | Yes | Toxic to pets |
| Dogs | Yes | Toxic to pets |
What happens if a pet eats arborvitae?
Arborvitae (Thuja) is not listed on the ASPCA toxic or non-toxic plant database, so its safety cannot be confirmed there — and claims that the ASPCA lists it as non-toxic are a misattribution. All parts contain thujone (plus tropolones); thujone is a recognised neurotoxin (the regulated convulsant also found in wormwood and absinthe), most concentrated in the cones, wood and twig tips. Small nibbles typically cause gastrointestinal upset (vomiting, diarrhoea, drooling), but larger ingestions can cause neurological effects including seizures, plus liver and kidney injury; horses, goats and sheep are especially susceptible and serious livestock poisoning is documented. Because authoritative toxicology flags a real systemic hazard, treat arborvitae as toxic: keep clippings away from pets and grazing animals, and contact your vet or a poison control line straight away if any is eaten — do not assume it is pet-safe. Signs usually appear soon after chewing rather than hours later. If you see drooling, pawing at the mouth, head-shaking, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy after your pet has had access to arborvitae, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What to do if your pet ate arborvitae
- Remove any plant material from your pet's mouth and move arborvitae out of reach.
- Note how much was eaten and when, and watch for drooling, vomiting, or lethargy.
- Do not induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist instructs you to.
- Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice.
- Bring a leaf or photo of arborvitae to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.
This page is general guidance, not veterinary advice. Pets vary, and a reaction may be to soil, fertiliser, or pesticide rather than the plant. If you are worried, always contact a vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 — do not wait for symptoms to worsen.
Pet-safe alternatives to arborvitae
Want the same look without the risk? These plants are listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA and have similar care needs:
- Peperomia — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- Cast iron plant — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- Spider plant — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- Ponytail palm — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
Arborvitae and pets — frequently asked questions
Is arborvitae toxic to cats?
Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis) is toxic to pets to cats according to the ASPCA. Arborvitae (Thuja) is not listed on the ASPCA toxic or non-toxic plant database, so its safety cannot be confirmed there — and claims that the ASPCA lists it as non-toxic are a misattribution. All parts contain thujone (plus tropolones); thujone is a recognised neurotoxin (the regulated convulsant also found in wormwood and absinthe), most concentrated in the cones, wood and twig tips. Small nibbles typically cause gastrointestinal upset (vomiting, diarrhoea, drooling), but larger ingestions can cause neurological effects including seizures, plus liver and kidney injury; horses, goats and sheep are especially susceptible and serious livestock poisoning is documented. Because authoritative toxicology flags a real systemic hazard, treat arborvitae as toxic: keep clippings away from pets and grazing animals, and contact your vet or a poison control line straight away if any is eaten — do not assume it is pet-safe. Keep it out of reach and contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 if your cat chews it.
Is arborvitae toxic to dogs?
The ASPCA lists the same toxicity status for dogs as for cats: Arborvitae is toxic to pets. Dogs often chew more enthusiastically than cats, so a toxic plant like arborvitae is best removed from the floor and low shelves entirely.
What happens if my pet eats arborvitae?
Arborvitae (Thuja) is not listed on the ASPCA toxic or non-toxic plant database, so its safety cannot be confirmed there — and claims that the ASPCA lists it as non-toxic are a misattribution. All parts contain thujone (plus tropolones); thujone is a recognised neurotoxin (the regulated convulsant also found in wormwood and absinthe), most concentrated in the cones, wood and twig tips. Small nibbles typically cause gastrointestinal upset (vomiting, diarrhoea, drooling), but larger ingestions can cause neurological effects including seizures, plus liver and kidney injury; horses, goats and sheep are especially susceptible and serious livestock poisoning is documented. Because authoritative toxicology flags a real systemic hazard, treat arborvitae as toxic: keep clippings away from pets and grazing animals, and contact your vet or a poison control line straight away if any is eaten — do not assume it is pet-safe. Signs usually appear soon after chewing rather than hours later. If you see drooling, pawing at the mouth, head-shaking, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy after your pet has had access to arborvitae, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What should I do if my cat or dog ate arborvitae?
Stay calm. Remove any remaining plant material from your pet's mouth and take the plant away so they cannot eat more. Note roughly how much was eaten and when. Do not make your pet vomit unless a vet or poison-control specialist tells you to. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 (a consultation fee may apply) and follow their advice. Bringing a photo or a leaf of arborvitae to the appointment helps the vet treat it correctly.
What are pet-safe alternatives to arborvitae?
If you want a similar look without the risk, good non-toxic swaps include peperomia, cast iron plant, spider plant, ponytail palm. All of these are listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA, so they suit a home where pets have access to your plants.
Full arborvitae care
Pet-safety is one piece of the picture. For light, watering, soil, and troubleshooting, see the complete arborvitae care guide, or browse the full pet-safe plant library to check another plant before you buy it.