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Is Eastern Red Cedar toxic to cats?

Juniperus virginiana

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists eastern red 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. Juniperus virginiana shares the mild toxicity profile of the Juniperus genus. UC Davis classifies Juniperus species as mildly toxic (class 2) to pets and livestock, with potential for vomiting, diarrhea, and GI irritation from ingestion of berries or foliage. Cedar wood oil extracted from the heartwood can cause skin irritation. The ASPCA does not specifically list this species, but veterinary guidance consistently advises preventing pets from consuming juniper plant material in quantity. The blue-green berry-like cones attract birds (especially cedar waxwings) and are an important wildlife food source.

What to do if your cat ate eastern red cedar

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

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

Is eastern red cedar toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is eastern red cedar toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists eastern red 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. Juniperus virginiana shares the mild toxicity profile of the Juniperus genus. UC Davis classifies Juniperus species as mildly toxic (class 2) to pets and livestock, with potential for vomiting, diarrhea, and GI irritation from ingestion of berries or foliage. Cedar wood oil extracted from the heartwood can cause skin irritation. The ASPCA does not specifically list this species, but veterinary guidance consistently advises preventing pets from consuming juniper plant material in quantity. The blue-green berry-like cones attract birds (especially cedar waxwings) and are an important wildlife food source.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats eastern red cedar?

Juniperus virginiana shares the mild toxicity profile of the Juniperus genus. UC Davis classifies Juniperus species as mildly toxic (class 2) to pets and livestock, with potential for vomiting, diarrhea, and GI irritation from ingestion of berries or foliage. Cedar wood oil extracted from the heartwood can cause skin irritation. The ASPCA does not specifically list this species, but veterinary guidance consistently advises preventing pets from consuming juniper plant material in quantity. The blue-green berry-like cones attract birds (especially cedar waxwings) and are an important wildlife food source. 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 eastern red cedar.

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

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to eastern red 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 eastern red cedar pet-safety