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Is Gowen Cypress toxic to cats?

Cupressus goveniana

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists gowen 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. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List. Cupressus goveniana is not listed individually by ASPCA. As with other cypress species, the foliage, resin, and bark contain terpene compounds that may cause mild gastrointestinal upset if ingested by dogs or cats. Not considered severely toxic. Seek veterinary advice if significant ingestion occurs.

What to do if your cat ate gowen cypress

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

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

Is gowen cypress toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is gowen cypress toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists gowen 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. Cupressus goveniana is not listed individually by ASPCA. As with other cypress species, the foliage, resin, and bark contain terpene compounds that may cause mild gastrointestinal upset if ingested by dogs or cats. Not considered severely toxic. Seek veterinary advice if significant ingestion occurs.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats gowen cypress?

Cupressus goveniana is not listed individually by ASPCA. As with other cypress species, the foliage, resin, and bark contain terpene compounds that may cause mild gastrointestinal upset if ingested by dogs or cats. Not considered severely toxic. Seek veterinary advice if significant ingestion occurs. 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 gowen cypress.

What should I do if my cat ate gowen 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 and follow their advice; a leaf or photo helps the vet treat it correctly.

Is gowen cypress toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Gowen Cypress is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full gowen cypress pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to gowen cypress?

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 gowen cypress pet-safety