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Is Lawson Cypress toxic to cats?

Chamaecyparis lawsoniana

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists lawson cypress 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. Chamaecyparis lawsoniana is not individually listed by ASPCA but the genus contains essential oils (notably sabinene and other monoterpenes) that can cause gastrointestinal irritation if foliage is ingested by pets. Exercise caution with dogs and cats that chew vegetation.

What to do if your cat ate lawson cypress

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

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

Is lawson cypress toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is lawson cypress toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists lawson cypress 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. Chamaecyparis lawsoniana is not individually listed by ASPCA but the genus contains essential oils (notably sabinene and other monoterpenes) that can cause gastrointestinal irritation if foliage is ingested by pets. Exercise caution with dogs and cats that chew vegetation.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats lawson cypress?

Chamaecyparis lawsoniana is not individually listed by ASPCA but the genus contains essential oils (notably sabinene and other monoterpenes) that can cause gastrointestinal irritation if foliage is ingested by pets. Exercise caution with dogs and cats that chew vegetation. 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 lawson cypress.

What should I do if my cat ate lawson cypress?

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 lawson cypress toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Lawson Cypress is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full lawson cypress pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to lawson cypress?

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 lawson cypress pet-safety