Is Dwarf Hinoki Cypress toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists dwarf hinoki cypress 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. Chamaecyparis obtusa is not specifically listed by the ASPCA as toxic, but foliage contains aromatic essential oils including sabinene and alpha-pinene that can irritate the gastrointestinal tract of cats and dogs if consumed in quantity, leading to vomiting or diarrhoea. Classify as mildly toxic out of caution; contact a vet if a pet ingests significant amounts.

Chamaecyparis obtusa is not specifically listed by the ASPCA as toxic, but foliage contains aromatic essential oils including sabinene and alpha-pinene that can irritate the gastrointestinal tract of cats and dogs if consumed in quantity, leading to vomiting or diarrhoea. Classify as mildly toxic out of caution; contact a vet if a pet ingests significant amounts. 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 dwarf hinoki cypress.

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 in the US, or Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509 000 in the UK 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: Dwarf Hinoki Cypress is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full dwarf hinoki cypress 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.