Is Cercidiphyllum japonicum toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists cercidiphyllum japonicum 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. Not individually listed by the ASPCA, so its status is treated as uncertain; verify with a vet before assuming it is safe. No specific toxic principle is documented and third-party sources generally regard it as non-poisonous, but lacking an ASPCA listing it is handled with caution; ingested plant material may still cause mild stomach upset.

Not individually listed by the ASPCA, so its status is treated as uncertain; verify with a vet before assuming it is safe. No specific toxic principle is documented and third-party sources generally regard it as non-poisonous, but lacking an ASPCA listing it is handled with caution; ingested plant material may still cause mild stomach upset. 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 cercidiphyllum japonicum.

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.

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Cercidiphyllum japonicum is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full cercidiphyllum japonicum pet-safety guide for both species.

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.