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Is Deodar Cedar toxic to cats?

Cedrus deodara

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists deodar 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. ASPCA lists Cedrus deodara (Deodar Cedar) as toxic to dogs and cats; effects include vomiting and skin irritation. Classified as mildly toxic. The essential oils in foliage and bark can cause gastrointestinal upset if ingested in significant quantities.

What to do if your cat ate deodar cedar

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

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

Is deodar cedar toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is deodar cedar toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists deodar 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. ASPCA lists Cedrus deodara (Deodar Cedar) as toxic to dogs and cats; effects include vomiting and skin irritation. Classified as mildly toxic. The essential oils in foliage and bark can cause gastrointestinal upset if ingested in significant quantities.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats deodar cedar?

ASPCA lists Cedrus deodara (Deodar Cedar) as toxic to dogs and cats; effects include vomiting and skin irritation. Classified as mildly toxic. The essential oils in foliage and bark can cause gastrointestinal upset if ingested in significant quantities. 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 deodar cedar.

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

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to deodar 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 deodar cedar pet-safety