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Is Japanese Privet Bonsai toxic to cats?

Ligustrum japonicum

Toxic to cats

Yes — japanese privet bonsai 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. The ASPCA lists privet (Ligustrum, including the wax-leaf/Japanese type) as toxic to dogs, cats and horses. The toxic principle is terpenoid glycosides found in the leaves and berries. Signs range from gastrointestinal upset and drooling to incoordination, raised heart rate and, rarely, death. Keep pets from chewing foliage and ingesting berries or prunings.

What to do if your cat ate japanese privet bonsai

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

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

Is japanese privet bonsai toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is japanese privet bonsai toxic to cats?

Yes — japanese privet bonsai is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. The ASPCA lists privet (Ligustrum, including the wax-leaf/Japanese type) as toxic to dogs, cats and horses. The toxic principle is terpenoid glycosides found in the leaves and berries. Signs range from gastrointestinal upset and drooling to incoordination, raised heart rate and, rarely, death. Keep pets from chewing foliage and ingesting berries or prunings.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats japanese privet bonsai?

The ASPCA lists privet (Ligustrum, including the wax-leaf/Japanese type) as toxic to dogs, cats and horses. The toxic principle is terpenoid glycosides found in the leaves and berries. Signs range from gastrointestinal upset and drooling to incoordination, raised heart rate and, rarely, death. Keep pets from chewing foliage and ingesting berries or prunings. 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 japanese privet bonsai.

What should I do if my cat ate japanese privet bonsai?

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 japanese privet bonsai toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Japanese Privet Bonsai is toxic to dogs as well. See the full japanese privet bonsai pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to japanese privet bonsai?

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 japanese privet bonsai pet-safety