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Pet safety

Is Italian Cypress toxic to cats?

Cupressus sempervirens

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists italian 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 sempervirens is not individually listed on the ASPCA toxic or non-toxic plant lists; treat with caution and verify with a vet. Ingesting foliage or cones may cause vomiting, diarrhoea or drooling in cats and dogs, and the aromatic oils and sap can irritate the skin and stomach.

What to do if your cat ate italian cypress

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

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

Is italian cypress toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is italian cypress toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists italian 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 sempervirens is not individually listed on the ASPCA toxic or non-toxic plant lists; treat with caution and verify with a vet. Ingesting foliage or cones may cause vomiting, diarrhoea or drooling in cats and dogs, and the aromatic oils and sap can irritate the skin and stomach.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats italian cypress?

Cupressus sempervirens is not individually listed on the ASPCA toxic or non-toxic plant lists; treat with caution and verify with a vet. Ingesting foliage or cones may cause vomiting, diarrhoea or drooling in cats and dogs, and the aromatic oils and sap can irritate the skin and stomach. 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 italian cypress.

What should I do if my cat ate italian 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 italian cypress toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to italian 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 italian cypress pet-safety