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Pet safety

Is Balearic box toxic to cats?

Buxus balearica

Toxic to cats

Yes — balearic box 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. As a Buxus species, toxic to dogs, cats, and horses (ASPCA). All parts contain buxine alkaloids; ingestion causes vomiting, diarrhoea, and lethargy. The larger leaves of this species may make accidental ingestion marginally more likely. Keep pets away from pruning debris.

What to do if your cat ate balearic box

  1. Remove any plant material from your cat's mouth and move balearic box 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 balearic box to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.

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

Is balearic box toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is balearic box toxic to cats?

Yes — balearic box is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. As a Buxus species, toxic to dogs, cats, and horses (ASPCA). All parts contain buxine alkaloids; ingestion causes vomiting, diarrhoea, and lethargy. The larger leaves of this species may make accidental ingestion marginally more likely. Keep pets away from pruning debris.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats balearic box?

As a Buxus species, toxic to dogs, cats, and horses (ASPCA). All parts contain buxine alkaloids; ingestion causes vomiting, diarrhoea, and lethargy. The larger leaves of this species may make accidental ingestion marginally more likely. Keep pets away from pruning debris. 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 balearic box.

What should I do if my cat ate balearic box?

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 balearic box toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Balearic box is toxic to dogs as well. See the full balearic box pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to balearic box?

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 balearic box pet-safety