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Is Hiba Arborvitae toxic to cats?

Thujopsis dolabrata

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists hiba 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. Thujopsis dolabrata is not individually listed by ASPCA. As a member of the Cupressaceae family, it contains volatile monoterpenes including thujone-related compounds that may cause gastrointestinal irritation in pets if ingested. Treat with the same precautions as Thuja species and prevent pets from browsing foliage.

What to do if your cat ate hiba arborvitae

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

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

Is hiba arborvitae toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is hiba arborvitae toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists hiba 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. Thujopsis dolabrata is not individually listed by ASPCA. As a member of the Cupressaceae family, it contains volatile monoterpenes including thujone-related compounds that may cause gastrointestinal irritation in pets if ingested. Treat with the same precautions as Thuja species and prevent pets from browsing foliage.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats hiba arborvitae?

Thujopsis dolabrata is not individually listed by ASPCA. As a member of the Cupressaceae family, it contains volatile monoterpenes including thujone-related compounds that may cause gastrointestinal irritation in pets if ingested. Treat with the same precautions as Thuja species and prevent pets from browsing foliage. 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 hiba arborvitae.

What should I do if my cat ate hiba 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 hiba arborvitae toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to hiba 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 hiba arborvitae pet-safety