Pet safety
Is Savin Junipertoxic to cats & dogs?
Juniperus sabina
Quick verdict — at a glance
- Toxic to cats?
- Yes — toxic
- Toxic to dogs?
- Yes — toxic
- ASPCA classification
- Toxic to pets · botanical name Juniperus sabina
Is savin juniper safe for cats and dogs?
Toxic — the ASPCA lists savin juniper 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. Juniperus sabina (Savin) is notably more toxic than other junipers. It contains sabinol and sabinene, potent volatile oils that are toxic to dogs, cats, and horses, causing vomiting, diarrhoea, kidney damage, and CNS effects with significant ingestion. It was historically used as an abortifacient and is considered the most toxic juniper species. Keep all pets and livestock away from all plant parts.
| Pet | Toxic? | Per ASPCA |
|---|---|---|
| Cats | Yes | Toxic to pets |
| Dogs | Yes | Toxic to pets |
What happens if a pet eats savin juniper?
Juniperus sabina (Savin) is notably more toxic than other junipers. It contains sabinol and sabinene, potent volatile oils that are toxic to dogs, cats, and horses, causing vomiting, diarrhoea, kidney damage, and CNS effects with significant ingestion. It was historically used as an abortifacient and is considered the most toxic juniper species. Keep all pets and livestock away from all plant parts. 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 savin juniper, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What to do if your pet ate savin juniper
- Remove any plant material from your pet's mouth and move savin juniper 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 savin juniper 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 savin juniper
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)
Savin Juniper and pets — frequently asked questions
Is savin juniper toxic to cats?
Savin Juniper (Juniperus sabina) is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Juniperus sabina (Savin) is notably more toxic than other junipers. It contains sabinol and sabinene, potent volatile oils that are toxic to dogs, cats, and horses, causing vomiting, diarrhoea, kidney damage, and CNS effects with significant ingestion. It was historically used as an abortifacient and is considered the most toxic juniper species. Keep all pets and livestock away from all plant parts. 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 savin juniper toxic to dogs?
Per the ASPCA, Savin Juniper (Juniperus sabina) is toxic to dogs. Dogs often chew more enthusiastically than cats, so a toxic plant like savin juniper is best removed from the floor and low shelves entirely.
What happens if my pet eats savin juniper?
Juniperus sabina (Savin) is notably more toxic than other junipers. It contains sabinol and sabinene, potent volatile oils that are toxic to dogs, cats, and horses, causing vomiting, diarrhoea, kidney damage, and CNS effects with significant ingestion. It was historically used as an abortifacient and is considered the most toxic juniper species. Keep all pets and livestock away from all plant parts. 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 savin juniper, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What should I do if my cat or dog ate savin juniper?
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 savin juniper to the appointment helps the vet treat it correctly.
What are pet-safe alternatives to savin juniper?
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 savin juniper care
Pet-safety is one piece of the picture. For light, watering, soil, and troubleshooting, see the complete savin juniper care guide, or browse the full pet-safe plant library to check another plant before you buy it.