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Pet safety

Is Japanese Spurge toxic to cats?

Pachysandra terminalis

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists japanese spurge 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. Pachysandra terminalis is not individually listed by ASPCA as toxic to dogs or cats, but the plant contains alkaloids (including pacchysandrine) and saponins. Ingestion may cause mild gastrointestinal upset (vomiting, diarrhoea) in pets. Treat with caution and prevent pets from grazing on it. Contact your vet if ingestion is suspected.

What to do if your cat ate japanese spurge

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

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

Is japanese spurge toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is japanese spurge toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists japanese spurge 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. Pachysandra terminalis is not individually listed by ASPCA as toxic to dogs or cats, but the plant contains alkaloids (including pacchysandrine) and saponins. Ingestion may cause mild gastrointestinal upset (vomiting, diarrhoea) in pets. Treat with caution and prevent pets from grazing on it. Contact your vet if ingestion is suspected.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats japanese spurge?

Pachysandra terminalis is not individually listed by ASPCA as toxic to dogs or cats, but the plant contains alkaloids (including pacchysandrine) and saponins. Ingestion may cause mild gastrointestinal upset (vomiting, diarrhoea) in pets. Treat with caution and prevent pets from grazing on it. Contact your vet if ingestion is suspected. 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 spurge.

What should I do if my cat ate japanese spurge?

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 spurge toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to japanese spurge?

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 spurge pet-safety