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Is Chinese Incense Cedar toxic to cats?

Calocedrus macrolepis

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists chinese 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. Not individually listed by the ASPCA. The Calocedrus genus contains aromatic thujone-related oils; foliage and bark may cause mild gastrointestinal upset or skin irritation in pets if chewed. Treat with caution around pets.

What to do if your cat ate chinese incense cedar

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

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

Is chinese incense cedar toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is chinese incense cedar toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists chinese 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. Not individually listed by the ASPCA. The Calocedrus genus contains aromatic thujone-related oils; foliage and bark may cause mild gastrointestinal upset or skin irritation in pets if chewed. Treat with caution around pets.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats chinese incense cedar?

Not individually listed by the ASPCA. The Calocedrus genus contains aromatic thujone-related oils; foliage and bark may cause mild gastrointestinal upset or skin irritation in pets if chewed. Treat with caution around pets. 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 chinese incense cedar.

What should I do if my cat ate chinese 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 chinese incense cedar toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Chinese Incense Cedar is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full chinese incense cedar pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to chinese 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 chinese incense cedar pet-safety