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Is Incense Cedar toxic to cats?

Calocedrus decurrens

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists incense cedar 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. Calocedrus decurrens is not individually listed by ASPCA. Cedar-family foliage contains volatile oils that may cause gastrointestinal irritation if ingested by pets. Cedar wood dust and oils can irritate mucous membranes. Treat with the same precautions as other arborvitae family members and keep away from pets that browse ornamental conifers.

What to do if your cat ate incense cedar

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

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

Is incense cedar toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is incense cedar toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists incense cedar 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. Calocedrus decurrens is not individually listed by ASPCA. Cedar-family foliage contains volatile oils that may cause gastrointestinal irritation if ingested by pets. Cedar wood dust and oils can irritate mucous membranes. Treat with the same precautions as other arborvitae family members and keep away from pets that browse ornamental conifers.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats incense cedar?

Calocedrus decurrens is not individually listed by ASPCA. Cedar-family foliage contains volatile oils that may cause gastrointestinal irritation if ingested by pets. Cedar wood dust and oils can irritate mucous membranes. Treat with the same precautions as other arborvitae family members and keep away from pets that browse ornamental conifers. 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 incense cedar.

What should I do if my cat ate incense cedar?

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 incense cedar toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Incense Cedar is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full incense cedar pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to incense cedar?

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 incense cedar pet-safety