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Is Alpine Totara toxic to cats?

Podocarpus nivalis

Toxic to cats

Yes — alpine totara is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List. Not individually listed by the ASPCA, but the ASPCA classifies the genus Podocarpus (as 'Buddhist Pine', Podocarpaceae) as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. As a Podocarpus species, foliage and seeds should be treated as toxic — keep away from pets and verify with a vet if ingested.

What to do if your cat ate alpine totara

  1. Remove any plant material from your cat's mouth and move alpine totara out of reach.
  2. Note how much was eaten and when, and watch for drooling, vomiting, or lethargy.
  3. Do not induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist instructs you to.
  4. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice.
  5. Bring a leaf or photo of alpine totara to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.

General guidance, not veterinary advice. If you think your cat has eaten alpine totara, contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 — do not wait for symptoms to worsen.

Is alpine totara toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is alpine totara toxic to cats?

Yes — alpine totara is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Not individually listed by the ASPCA, but the ASPCA classifies the genus Podocarpus (as 'Buddhist Pine', Podocarpaceae) as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. As a Podocarpus species, foliage and seeds should be treated as toxic — keep away from pets and verify with a vet if ingested.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats alpine totara?

Not individually listed by the ASPCA, but the ASPCA classifies the genus Podocarpus (as 'Buddhist Pine', Podocarpaceae) as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. As a Podocarpus species, foliage and seeds should be treated as toxic — keep away from pets and verify with a vet if ingested. Signs usually appear soon after chewing rather than hours later — watch for drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy after your cat has had access to alpine totara.

What should I do if my cat ate alpine totara?

Stay calm. Remove any plant from your cat's mouth and take the plant away. Note how much was eaten and when, and do not induce vomiting unless told to. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice; a leaf or photo helps the vet treat it correctly.

Is alpine totara toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Alpine Totara is toxic to dogs as well. See the full alpine totara pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to alpine totara?

For a similar look without the risk, see the best cats-safe plants list — every plant there is ASPCA non-toxic to cats and dogs.

Full alpine totara pet-safety