Pet safety
Is Oriental Arborvitaetoxic to cats & dogs?
Platycladus orientalis
Quick verdict — at a glance
- Toxic to cats?
- Yes — mildly
- Toxic to dogs?
- Yes — mildly
- ASPCA classification
- Mildly toxic to pets · botanical name Platycladus orientalis
Is oriental arborvitae safe for cats and dogs?
Not entirely — oriental arborvitae 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. Platycladus orientalis is not individually listed by ASPCA. Arborvitae foliage contains thujone, a monoterpene ketone that can cause gastrointestinal upset, excessive salivation, and mild neurological signs in dogs and cats if ingested in quantity. Seeds and foliage should be kept away from pets and children.
| Pet | Toxic? | Per ASPCA |
|---|---|---|
| Cats | Yes (mild) | Mildly toxic to pets |
| Dogs | Yes (mild) | Mildly toxic to pets |
What happens if a pet eats oriental arborvitae?
Platycladus orientalis is not individually listed by ASPCA. Arborvitae foliage contains thujone, a monoterpene ketone that can cause gastrointestinal upset, excessive salivation, and mild neurological signs in dogs and cats if ingested in quantity. Seeds and foliage should be kept away from pets and children. 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 oriental arborvitae, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What to do if your pet ate oriental arborvitae
- Remove any plant material from your pet's mouth and move oriental 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 oriental 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 oriental 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)
Oriental Arborvitae and pets — frequently asked questions
Is oriental arborvitae toxic to cats?
Oriental Arborvitae (Platycladus orientalis) is mildly toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Platycladus orientalis is not individually listed by ASPCA. Arborvitae foliage contains thujone, a monoterpene ketone that can cause gastrointestinal upset, excessive salivation, and mild neurological signs in dogs and cats if ingested in quantity. Seeds and foliage should be kept away from pets and children. 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 oriental arborvitae toxic to dogs?
Per the ASPCA, Oriental Arborvitae (Platycladus orientalis) is mildly toxic to dogs. Dogs often chew more enthusiastically than cats, so a toxic plant like oriental arborvitae is best removed from the floor and low shelves entirely.
What happens if my pet eats oriental arborvitae?
Platycladus orientalis is not individually listed by ASPCA. Arborvitae foliage contains thujone, a monoterpene ketone that can cause gastrointestinal upset, excessive salivation, and mild neurological signs in dogs and cats if ingested in quantity. Seeds and foliage should be kept away from pets and children. 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 oriental arborvitae, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What should I do if my cat or dog ate oriental 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 oriental arborvitae to the appointment helps the vet treat it correctly.
What are pet-safe alternatives to oriental 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 oriental arborvitae care
Pet-safety is one piece of the picture. For light, watering, soil, and troubleshooting, see the complete oriental arborvitae care guide, or browse the full pet-safe plant library to check another plant before you buy it.