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Is Japanese Tree Lilac toxic to cats?

Syringa reticulata

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists japanese tree lilac 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. Japanese tree lilac (Syringa reticulata), a true Syringa, is not individually listed in the ASPCA toxic/non-toxic database; generally regarded as non-toxic but not ASPCA-confirmed, so treat with caution and verify with a vet. Do not confuse with the ASPCA-toxic Persian lilac (Melia azedarach), an unrelated plant.

What to do if your cat ate japanese tree lilac

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

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

Is japanese tree lilac toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is japanese tree lilac toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists japanese tree lilac 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. Japanese tree lilac (Syringa reticulata), a true Syringa, is not individually listed in the ASPCA toxic/non-toxic database; generally regarded as non-toxic but not ASPCA-confirmed, so treat with caution and verify with a vet. Do not confuse with the ASPCA-toxic Persian lilac (Melia azedarach), an unrelated plant.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats japanese tree lilac?

Japanese tree lilac (Syringa reticulata), a true Syringa, is not individually listed in the ASPCA toxic/non-toxic database; generally regarded as non-toxic but not ASPCA-confirmed, so treat with caution and verify with a vet. Do not confuse with the ASPCA-toxic Persian lilac (Melia azedarach), an unrelated plant. 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 tree lilac.

What should I do if my cat ate japanese tree lilac?

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 tree lilac toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to japanese tree lilac?

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 tree lilac pet-safety