Pet safety
Is Variegated Incense Cedar toxic to cats?
Calocedrus decurrens 'Aureovariegata'
Mildly. The ASPCA lists variegated incense cedar as mildly toxic to cats — a chewing cat typically gets mouth irritation, drooling, and vomiting rather than a medical emergency, but it is still best kept out of reach. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List. Calocedrus decurrens is not individually listed by the ASPCA. Aromatic cedars and related conifers can cause mild gastrointestinal irritation or dermatitis if foliage or bark is chewed or contacted. Treat as mildly toxic as a precautionary measure pending specific ASPCA data.
What to do if your cat ate variegated incense cedar
- Remove any plant material from your cat's mouth and move variegated incense cedar 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 variegated incense cedar to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.
General guidance, not veterinary advice. If you think your cat has eaten variegated incense cedar, contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 — do not wait for symptoms to worsen.
Is variegated incense cedar toxic to cats? — FAQ
Is variegated incense cedar toxic to cats?
Mildly. The ASPCA lists variegated incense cedar as mildly toxic to cats — a chewing cat typically gets mouth irritation, drooling, and vomiting rather than a medical emergency, but it is still best kept out of reach. Calocedrus decurrens is not individually listed by the ASPCA. Aromatic cedars and related conifers can cause mild gastrointestinal irritation or dermatitis if foliage or bark is chewed or contacted. Treat as mildly toxic as a precautionary measure pending specific ASPCA data.
What are the symptoms if a cat eats variegated incense cedar?
Calocedrus decurrens is not individually listed by the ASPCA. Aromatic cedars and related conifers can cause mild gastrointestinal irritation or dermatitis if foliage or bark is chewed or contacted. Treat as mildly toxic as a precautionary measure pending specific ASPCA data. 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 variegated incense cedar.
What should I do if my cat ate variegated incense cedar?
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 variegated incense cedar toxic to dogs too?
The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Variegated Incense Cedar is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full variegated incense cedar pet-safety guide for both species.
What is a cat-safe alternative to variegated incense cedar?
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 variegated incense cedar pet-safety
- Is variegated incense cedar toxic to cats and dogs? — the full guide for both pets
- Is variegated incense cedar toxic to dogs?
- My cat ate variegated incense cedar — emergency steps
- Best cats-safe plants — the full ASPCA non-toxic list
- Complete variegated incense cedar care guide