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Is Korean Arborvitae toxic to cats?

Thuja koraiensis

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists korean arborvitae 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. Thuja species contain thujone and other volatile oils that are considered mildly toxic if ingested in quantity by pets or humans. Not individually assessed by ASPCA for this species, but the genus Thuja has reported gastrointestinal irritant properties. Keep away from pets that chew foliage.

What to do if your cat ate korean arborvitae

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

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

Is korean arborvitae toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is korean arborvitae toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists korean arborvitae 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. Thuja species contain thujone and other volatile oils that are considered mildly toxic if ingested in quantity by pets or humans. Not individually assessed by ASPCA for this species, but the genus Thuja has reported gastrointestinal irritant properties. Keep away from pets that chew foliage.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats korean arborvitae?

Thuja species contain thujone and other volatile oils that are considered mildly toxic if ingested in quantity by pets or humans. Not individually assessed by ASPCA for this species, but the genus Thuja has reported gastrointestinal irritant properties. Keep away from pets that chew foliage. 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 korean arborvitae.

What should I do if my cat ate korean arborvitae?

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 korean arborvitae toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Korean Arborvitae is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full korean arborvitae pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to korean arborvitae?

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 korean arborvitae pet-safety