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Pet safety

Is Holger's Juniper toxic to cats?

Juniperus squamata 'Holger'

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists holger's juniper 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. Juniperus species are not formally listed on the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant database, but multiple veterinary sources note that junipers contain labdane acids (including isocupressic acid) and volatile oils that can cause gastrointestinal irritation — vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal discomfort — in dogs and cats. Classify as mildly toxic; contact a vet if significant ingestion occurs.

What to do if your cat ate holger's juniper

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

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

Is holger's juniper toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is holger's juniper toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists holger's juniper 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. Juniperus species are not formally listed on the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant database, but multiple veterinary sources note that junipers contain labdane acids (including isocupressic acid) and volatile oils that can cause gastrointestinal irritation — vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal discomfort — in dogs and cats. Classify as mildly toxic; contact a vet if significant ingestion occurs.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats holger's juniper?

Juniperus species are not formally listed on the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant database, but multiple veterinary sources note that junipers contain labdane acids (including isocupressic acid) and volatile oils that can cause gastrointestinal irritation — vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal discomfort — in dogs and cats. Classify as mildly toxic; contact a vet 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 holger's juniper.

What should I do if my cat ate holger's juniper?

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 holger's juniper toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Holger's Juniper is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full holger's juniper pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to holger's juniper?

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 holger's juniper pet-safety