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Pet safety

Is Buddhist Pine toxic to cats?

Podocarpus macrophyllus

Toxic to cats

Yes — buddhist pine 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. Listed by the ASPCA as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses (as 'Buddhist Pine', Podocarpaceae). The toxic principle is unknown; ingestion causes vomiting and diarrhoea (colic in horses). Keep away from pets and do not confuse with the far more deadly true yews of genus Taxus.

What to do if your cat ate buddhist pine

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

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

Is buddhist pine toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is buddhist pine toxic to cats?

Yes — buddhist pine is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Listed by the ASPCA as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses (as 'Buddhist Pine', Podocarpaceae). The toxic principle is unknown; ingestion causes vomiting and diarrhoea (colic in horses). Keep away from pets and do not confuse with the far more deadly true yews of genus Taxus.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats buddhist pine?

Listed by the ASPCA as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses (as 'Buddhist Pine', Podocarpaceae). The toxic principle is unknown; ingestion causes vomiting and diarrhoea (colic in horses). Keep away from pets and do not confuse with the far more deadly true yews of genus Taxus. 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 buddhist pine.

What should I do if my cat ate buddhist pine?

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 buddhist pine toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Buddhist Pine is toxic to dogs as well. See the full buddhist pine pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to buddhist pine?

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 buddhist pine pet-safety