Pet safety
Is Cedar of Lebanontoxic to cats & dogs?
Cedrus libani
Quick verdict — at a glance
- Toxic to cats?
- Yes — mildly
- Toxic to dogs?
- Yes — mildly
- ASPCA classification
- Mildly toxic to pets · botanical name Cedrus libani
Is cedar of lebanon safe for cats and dogs?
Not entirely — cedar of lebanon is mildly toxic to cats and dogs. It rarely causes serious harm, but chewing it triggers real discomfort, so keep it out of a pet's reach. 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. ASPCA lists Cedrus libani and Cedrus species as toxic to dogs and cats. Ingestion of foliage or bark may cause vomiting and skin irritation due to aromatic essential oils and resin. Classified as mildly toxic; significant toxicity is uncommon but pets should be discouraged from chewing on the tree.
| Pet | Toxic? | Per ASPCA |
|---|---|---|
| Cats | Yes (mild) | Mildly toxic to pets |
| Dogs | Yes (mild) | Mildly toxic to pets |
What happens if a pet eats cedar of lebanon?
ASPCA lists Cedrus libani and Cedrus species as toxic to dogs and cats. Ingestion of foliage or bark may cause vomiting and skin irritation due to aromatic essential oils and resin. Classified as mildly toxic; significant toxicity is uncommon but pets should be discouraged from chewing on the tree. 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 cedar of lebanon, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What to do if your pet ate cedar of lebanon
- Remove any plant material from your pet's mouth and move cedar of lebanon 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 cedar of lebanon 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 cedar of lebanon
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:
- Hoya — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- Bromeliad — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- Christmas cactus — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- African violet — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
Cedar of Lebanon and pets — frequently asked questions
Is cedar of lebanon toxic to cats?
Cedar of Lebanon (Cedrus libani) is mildly toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. ASPCA lists Cedrus libani and Cedrus species as toxic to dogs and cats. Ingestion of foliage or bark may cause vomiting and skin irritation due to aromatic essential oils and resin. Classified as mildly toxic; significant toxicity is uncommon but pets should be discouraged from chewing on the tree. 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 cedar of lebanon toxic to dogs?
Per the ASPCA, Cedar of Lebanon (Cedrus libani) is mildly toxic to dogs. Dogs often chew more enthusiastically than cats, so a toxic plant like cedar of lebanon is best removed from the floor and low shelves entirely.
What happens if my pet eats cedar of lebanon?
ASPCA lists Cedrus libani and Cedrus species as toxic to dogs and cats. Ingestion of foliage or bark may cause vomiting and skin irritation due to aromatic essential oils and resin. Classified as mildly toxic; significant toxicity is uncommon but pets should be discouraged from chewing on the tree. 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 cedar of lebanon, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What should I do if my cat or dog ate cedar of lebanon?
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 cedar of lebanon to the appointment helps the vet treat it correctly.
What are pet-safe alternatives to cedar of lebanon?
If you want a similar look without the risk, good non-toxic swaps include hoya, bromeliad, christmas cactus, african violet. 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 cedar of lebanon care
Pet-safety is one piece of the picture. For light, watering, soil, and troubleshooting, see the complete cedar of lebanon care guide, or browse the full pet-safe plant library to check another plant before you buy it.