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Is Green Velvet Boxwood toxic to cats?

Buxus 'Green Velvet'

Toxic to cats

Yes — green velvet 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 Buxus (boxwood) as toxic to cats, dogs and horses. The toxic principles are steroidal alkaloids including buxine; ingestion typically causes vomiting and diarrhea, with neurological signs such as ataxia and seizures at higher doses. The bitter taste usually limits intake, but keep clippings away from pets and prevent chewing.

What to do if your cat ate green velvet boxwood

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

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

Is green velvet boxwood toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is green velvet boxwood toxic to cats?

Yes — green velvet 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 Buxus (boxwood) as toxic to cats, dogs and horses. The toxic principles are steroidal alkaloids including buxine; ingestion typically causes vomiting and diarrhea, with neurological signs such as ataxia and seizures at higher doses. The bitter taste usually limits intake, but keep clippings away from pets and prevent chewing.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats green velvet boxwood?

ASPCA lists Buxus (boxwood) as toxic to cats, dogs and horses. The toxic principles are steroidal alkaloids including buxine; ingestion typically causes vomiting and diarrhea, with neurological signs such as ataxia and seizures at higher doses. The bitter taste usually limits intake, but keep clippings away from pets and prevent chewing. 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 green velvet boxwood.

What should I do if my cat ate green velvet 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 green velvet boxwood toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Green Velvet Boxwood is toxic to dogs as well. See the full green velvet boxwood pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to green velvet 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 green velvet boxwood pet-safety