Is Mountain Rimu toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists mountain rimu 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. Dacrydium bidwillii is not individually listed by the ASPCA. Some podocarp species produce fleshy, berry-like arils that can cause gastrointestinal upset if consumed in quantity by pets or children; treat as mildly toxic until specific safety data is confirmed.

Dacrydium bidwillii is not individually listed by the ASPCA. Some podocarp species produce fleshy, berry-like arils that can cause gastrointestinal upset if consumed in quantity by pets or children; treat as mildly toxic until specific safety data is confirmed. 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 mountain rimu.

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: Mountain Rimu is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full mountain rimu 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.