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Is Japanese Zelkova toxic to cats?

Zelkova serrata

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists japanese zelkova 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. Zelkova serrata is not individually listed by the ASPCA, so its status for cats and dogs is unconfirmed. Treat it with caution as potentially mildly toxic, expect possible mild GI upset from ingested foliage, and verify with a vet if a pet eats any part.

What to do if your cat ate japanese zelkova

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

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

Is japanese zelkova toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is japanese zelkova toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists japanese zelkova 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. Zelkova serrata is not individually listed by the ASPCA, so its status for cats and dogs is unconfirmed. Treat it with caution as potentially mildly toxic, expect possible mild GI upset from ingested foliage, and verify with a vet if a pet eats any part.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats japanese zelkova?

Zelkova serrata is not individually listed by the ASPCA, so its status for cats and dogs is unconfirmed. Treat it with caution as potentially mildly toxic, expect possible mild GI upset from ingested foliage, and verify with a vet if a pet eats any part. 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 zelkova.

What should I do if my cat ate japanese zelkova?

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 zelkova toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to japanese zelkova?

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 zelkova pet-safety