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Is Common Juniper toxic to cats?

Juniperus communis

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists common juniper 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. Juniperus communis is classified as mildly toxic (UC Davis class 2) to dogs, cats, and horses. Berries, needles, and stems may cause vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain if ingested in significant quantity. The ASPCA does not specifically list Juniperus on its main toxic plant pages; however, veterinary sources consistently note mild GI toxicity potential. The berries are traditionally used as a culinary spice (gin flavouring) in small quantities by humans but should not be consumed in large amounts. Keep away from pets that chew on garden plants.

What to do if your cat ate common juniper

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

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

Is common juniper toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is common juniper toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists common juniper 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. Juniperus communis is classified as mildly toxic (UC Davis class 2) to dogs, cats, and horses. Berries, needles, and stems may cause vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain if ingested in significant quantity. The ASPCA does not specifically list Juniperus on its main toxic plant pages; however, veterinary sources consistently note mild GI toxicity potential. The berries are traditionally used as a culinary spice (gin flavouring) in small quantities by humans but should not be consumed in large amounts. Keep away from pets that chew on garden plants.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats common juniper?

Juniperus communis is classified as mildly toxic (UC Davis class 2) to dogs, cats, and horses. Berries, needles, and stems may cause vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain if ingested in significant quantity. The ASPCA does not specifically list Juniperus on its main toxic plant pages; however, veterinary sources consistently note mild GI toxicity potential. The berries are traditionally used as a culinary spice (gin flavouring) in small quantities by humans but should not be consumed in large amounts. Keep away from pets that chew on garden plants. 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 juniper.

What should I do if my cat ate common juniper?

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 juniper toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to common juniper?

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 juniper pet-safety