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Is Comb-Leaved Santolina toxic to cats?

Santolina pectinata

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists comb-leaved santolina 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. Santolina pectinata is not confirmed on the ASPCA non-toxic plant list. The genus contains aromatic terpenoids (camphor, pinene, cineole) that may cause gastrointestinal upset — vomiting and diarrhoea — if ingested by cats or dogs. Apply the precautionary principle and prevent pets from eating the foliage.

What to do if your cat ate comb-leaved santolina

  1. Remove any plant material from your cat's mouth and move comb-leaved santolina 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 comb-leaved santolina to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.

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

Is comb-leaved santolina toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is comb-leaved santolina toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists comb-leaved santolina 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. Santolina pectinata is not confirmed on the ASPCA non-toxic plant list. The genus contains aromatic terpenoids (camphor, pinene, cineole) that may cause gastrointestinal upset — vomiting and diarrhoea — if ingested by cats or dogs. Apply the precautionary principle and prevent pets from eating the foliage.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats comb-leaved santolina?

Santolina pectinata is not confirmed on the ASPCA non-toxic plant list. The genus contains aromatic terpenoids (camphor, pinene, cineole) that may cause gastrointestinal upset — vomiting and diarrhoea — if ingested by cats or dogs. Apply the precautionary principle and prevent pets from eating the foliage. 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 comb-leaved santolina.

What should I do if my cat ate comb-leaved santolina?

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 comb-leaved santolina toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Comb-Leaved Santolina is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full comb-leaved santolina pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to comb-leaved santolina?

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 comb-leaved santolina pet-safety