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Is Emerald Green Arborvitae toxic to cats?

Thuja occidentalis 'Smaragd'

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists emerald green arborvitae 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. Thuja occidentalis is not individually listed on the ASPCA toxic or non-toxic plant lists; treat with caution and verify with a vet. The foliage and oil contain thujone, a compound that in quantity can cause drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea, and in severe cases neurological signs in dogs and cats. Reported poisonings are uncommon, but ingestion should be prevented and monitored.

What to do if your cat ate emerald green arborvitae

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

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

Is emerald green arborvitae toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is emerald green arborvitae toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists emerald green arborvitae 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. Thuja occidentalis is not individually listed on the ASPCA toxic or non-toxic plant lists; treat with caution and verify with a vet. The foliage and oil contain thujone, a compound that in quantity can cause drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea, and in severe cases neurological signs in dogs and cats. Reported poisonings are uncommon, but ingestion should be prevented and monitored.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats emerald green arborvitae?

Thuja occidentalis is not individually listed on the ASPCA toxic or non-toxic plant lists; treat with caution and verify with a vet. The foliage and oil contain thujone, a compound that in quantity can cause drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea, and in severe cases neurological signs in dogs and cats. Reported poisonings are uncommon, but ingestion should be prevented and monitored. 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 emerald green arborvitae.

What should I do if my cat ate emerald green arborvitae?

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 emerald green arborvitae toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Emerald Green Arborvitae is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full emerald green arborvitae pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to emerald green arborvitae?

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 emerald green arborvitae pet-safety