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Pet safety

Is Common box toxic to cats?

Buxus sempervirens

Toxic to cats

Yes — common box 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. All parts of Buxus sempervirens contain steroidal alkaloids including buxine, cyclobuxine, and cycloprotobuxine. ASPCA lists Buxus (boxwood) as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. Ingestion causes vomiting, diarrhoea, hypotension, and — in severe cases — respiratory failure. The plant has an unpleasant taste that deters casual ingestion.

What to do if your cat ate common box

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

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

Is common box toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is common box toxic to cats?

Yes — common box is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. All parts of Buxus sempervirens contain steroidal alkaloids including buxine, cyclobuxine, and cycloprotobuxine. ASPCA lists Buxus (boxwood) as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. Ingestion causes vomiting, diarrhoea, hypotension, and — in severe cases — respiratory failure. The plant has an unpleasant taste that deters casual ingestion.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats common box?

All parts of Buxus sempervirens contain steroidal alkaloids including buxine, cyclobuxine, and cycloprotobuxine. ASPCA lists Buxus (boxwood) as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. Ingestion causes vomiting, diarrhoea, hypotension, and — in severe cases — respiratory failure. The plant has an unpleasant taste that deters casual ingestion. 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 common box.

What should I do if my cat ate common box?

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 common box toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Common box is toxic to dogs as well. See the full common box pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to common box?

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 common box pet-safety