Pet safety
Is Tamarix-leaf Savin Junipertoxic to cats & dogs?
Juniperus sabina 'Tamariscifolia'
Toxic
Quick verdict — at a glance
- Toxic to cats?
- Yes — toxic
- Toxic to dogs?
- Yes — toxic
- ASPCA classification
- Toxic to pets · botanical name Juniperus sabina 'Tamariscifolia'
Is tamarix-leaf savin juniper safe for cats and dogs?
No — tamarix-leaf savin juniper is toxic to cats and dogs. Keep it well away from any pet that chews plants; reactions can be significant. 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 is a well-established toxic plant for dogs, cats, and horses. All parts — especially the berries and branch tips — contain the toxic volatile oil sabinenol (savin oil), sabinene, and podophyllotoxin. Ingestion causes vomiting, bloody diarrhea, severe abdominal pain, and in significant doses can cause kidney damage, low blood pressure, and seizures. Seek emergency veterinary care immediately if ingestion is suspected. Not listed on the ASPCA database by name, but widely documented as hazardous by veterinary poison control authorities.
| Pet | Toxic? | Per ASPCA |
|---|---|---|
| Cats | Yes | Toxic to pets |
| Dogs | Yes | Toxic to pets |
What happens if a pet eats tamarix-leaf savin juniper?
Juniperus sabina is a well-established toxic plant for dogs, cats, and horses. All parts — especially the berries and branch tips — contain the toxic volatile oil sabinenol (savin oil), sabinene, and podophyllotoxin. Ingestion causes vomiting, bloody diarrhea, severe abdominal pain, and in significant doses can cause kidney damage, low blood pressure, and seizures. Seek emergency veterinary care immediately if ingestion is suspected. Not listed on the ASPCA database by name, but widely documented as hazardous by veterinary poison control authorities. 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 tamarix-leaf savin juniper, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What to do if your pet ate tamarix-leaf savin juniper
- Remove any plant material from your pet's mouth and move tamarix-leaf 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 tamarix-leaf 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 tamarix-leaf 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:
- 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)
Tamarix-leaf Savin Juniper and pets — frequently asked questions
Is tamarix-leaf savin juniper toxic to cats?
Tamarix-leaf Savin Juniper (Juniperus sabina 'Tamariscifolia') is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Juniperus sabina is a well-established toxic plant for dogs, cats, and horses. All parts — especially the berries and branch tips — contain the toxic volatile oil sabinenol (savin oil), sabinene, and podophyllotoxin. Ingestion causes vomiting, bloody diarrhea, severe abdominal pain, and in significant doses can cause kidney damage, low blood pressure, and seizures. Seek emergency veterinary care immediately if ingestion is suspected. Not listed on the ASPCA database by name, but widely documented as hazardous by veterinary poison control authorities. 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 tamarix-leaf savin juniper toxic to dogs?
Per the ASPCA, Tamarix-leaf Savin Juniper (Juniperus sabina 'Tamariscifolia') is toxic to dogs. Dogs often chew more enthusiastically than cats, so a toxic plant like tamarix-leaf savin juniper is best removed from the floor and low shelves entirely.
What happens if my pet eats tamarix-leaf savin juniper?
Juniperus sabina is a well-established toxic plant for dogs, cats, and horses. All parts — especially the berries and branch tips — contain the toxic volatile oil sabinenol (savin oil), sabinene, and podophyllotoxin. Ingestion causes vomiting, bloody diarrhea, severe abdominal pain, and in significant doses can cause kidney damage, low blood pressure, and seizures. Seek emergency veterinary care immediately if ingestion is suspected. Not listed on the ASPCA database by name, but widely documented as hazardous by veterinary poison control authorities. 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 tamarix-leaf savin juniper, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What should I do if my cat or dog ate tamarix-leaf 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 tamarix-leaf savin juniper to the appointment helps the vet treat it correctly.
What are pet-safe alternatives to tamarix-leaf savin juniper?
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 tamarix-leaf savin juniper care
Pet-safety is one piece of the picture. For light, watering, soil, and troubleshooting, see the complete tamarix-leaf savin juniper care guide, or browse the full pet-safe plant library to check another plant before you buy it.