Pet safety
Is Mr Bowling Ball Arborvitaetoxic to cats & dogs?
Thuja occidentalis 'Bobozam'
Quick verdict — at a glance
- Toxic to cats?
- Yes — mildly
- Toxic to dogs?
- Yes — mildly
- ASPCA classification
- Mildly toxic to pets · botanical name Thuja occidentalis 'Bobozam'
Is mr bowling ball arborvitae safe for cats and dogs?
Mildly. The ASPCA flags mr bowling ball arborvitae as mildly toxic to cats and dogs — a chewing pet gets oral irritation and drooling rather than a medical emergency, but it is still worth a high shelf. 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. Thuja occidentalis is not individually listed on the ASPCA toxic or non-toxic plant lists; treat with caution and verify with a vet. The foliage and essential oil contain thujone, which in sufficient quantity can cause drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea, and potentially neurological signs in dogs and cats. Prevent ingestion and monitor pets that chew it.
| Pet | Toxic? | Per ASPCA |
|---|---|---|
| Cats | Yes (mild) | Mildly toxic to pets |
| Dogs | Yes (mild) | Mildly toxic to pets |
What happens if a pet eats mr bowling ball arborvitae?
Thuja occidentalis is not individually listed on the ASPCA toxic or non-toxic plant lists; treat with caution and verify with a vet. The foliage and essential oil contain thujone, which in sufficient quantity can cause drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea, and potentially neurological signs in dogs and cats. Prevent ingestion and monitor pets that chew it. 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 mr bowling ball arborvitae, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What to do if your pet ate mr bowling ball arborvitae
- Remove any plant material from your pet's mouth and move mr bowling ball 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 mr bowling ball 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 mr bowling ball 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:
- 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)
Mr Bowling Ball Arborvitae and pets — frequently asked questions
Is mr bowling ball arborvitae toxic to cats?
Mr Bowling Ball Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis 'Bobozam') is mildly toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Thuja occidentalis is not individually listed on the ASPCA toxic or non-toxic plant lists; treat with caution and verify with a vet. The foliage and essential oil contain thujone, which in sufficient quantity can cause drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea, and potentially neurological signs in dogs and cats. Prevent ingestion and monitor pets that chew it. 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 mr bowling ball arborvitae toxic to dogs?
Per the ASPCA, Mr Bowling Ball Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis 'Bobozam') is mildly toxic to dogs. Dogs often chew more enthusiastically than cats, so a toxic plant like mr bowling ball arborvitae is best removed from the floor and low shelves entirely.
What happens if my pet eats mr bowling ball arborvitae?
Thuja occidentalis is not individually listed on the ASPCA toxic or non-toxic plant lists; treat with caution and verify with a vet. The foliage and essential oil contain thujone, which in sufficient quantity can cause drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea, and potentially neurological signs in dogs and cats. Prevent ingestion and monitor pets that chew it. 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 mr bowling ball arborvitae, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What should I do if my cat or dog ate mr bowling ball 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 mr bowling ball arborvitae to the appointment helps the vet treat it correctly.
What are pet-safe alternatives to mr bowling ball arborvitae?
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 mr bowling ball arborvitae care
Pet-safety is one piece of the picture. For light, watering, soil, and troubleshooting, see the complete mr bowling ball arborvitae care guide, or browse the full pet-safe plant library to check another plant before you buy it.