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Pet safety

Is King Billy Pine toxic to cats?

Athrotaxis selaginoides

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists king billy pine 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. Athrotaxis is not individually listed by the ASPCA as toxic or non-toxic to cats and dogs. With no authoritative listing, treat it as uncertain — a possible GI irritant if chewed — and verify with a vet rather than assuming it is safe around pets.

What to do if your cat ate king billy pine

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

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

Is king billy pine toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is king billy pine toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists king billy pine 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. Athrotaxis is not individually listed by the ASPCA as toxic or non-toxic to cats and dogs. With no authoritative listing, treat it as uncertain — a possible GI irritant if chewed — and verify with a vet rather than assuming it is safe around pets.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats king billy pine?

Athrotaxis is not individually listed by the ASPCA as toxic or non-toxic to cats and dogs. With no authoritative listing, treat it as uncertain — a possible GI irritant if chewed — and verify with a vet rather than assuming it is safe around pets. 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 king billy pine.

What should I do if my cat ate king billy pine?

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 king billy pine toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: King Billy Pine is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full king billy pine pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to king billy pine?

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 king billy pine pet-safety