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Pet safety

Is Franklin's Gem Boxwood toxic to cats?

Buxus microphylla 'Franklin's Gem'

Toxic to cats

Yes — franklin's gem boxwood is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List. ASPCA lists Boxwood (Buxus) as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. The toxic principle is a group of steroidal alkaloids (buxine and related compounds); ingestion causes vomiting, diarrhoea, and GI irritation, with severe cases rare because the bitter foliage deters heavy browsing.

What to do if your cat ate franklin's gem boxwood

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

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

Is franklin's gem boxwood toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is franklin's gem boxwood toxic to cats?

Yes — franklin's gem boxwood is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. ASPCA lists Boxwood (Buxus) as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. The toxic principle is a group of steroidal alkaloids (buxine and related compounds); ingestion causes vomiting, diarrhoea, and GI irritation, with severe cases rare because the bitter foliage deters heavy browsing.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats franklin's gem boxwood?

ASPCA lists Boxwood (Buxus) as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. The toxic principle is a group of steroidal alkaloids (buxine and related compounds); ingestion causes vomiting, diarrhoea, and GI irritation, with severe cases rare because the bitter foliage deters heavy browsing. 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 franklin's gem boxwood.

What should I do if my cat ate franklin's gem boxwood?

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 franklin's gem boxwood toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Franklin's Gem Boxwood is toxic to dogs as well. See the full franklin's gem boxwood pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to franklin's gem boxwood?

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 franklin's gem boxwood pet-safety