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Is Leyland Cypress toxic to cats?

× Cuprocyparis leylandii

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists leyland 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. × Cuprocyparis leylandii is not individually listed on the ASPCA toxic or non-toxic plant lists; treat with caution and verify with a vet. Ingesting foliage, bark or cones may cause vomiting, diarrhoea, drooling or appetite loss in cats and dogs, and the sap/oils can irritate skin.

What to do if your cat ate leyland cypress

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

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

Is leyland cypress toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is leyland cypress toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists leyland 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. × Cuprocyparis leylandii is not individually listed on the ASPCA toxic or non-toxic plant lists; treat with caution and verify with a vet. Ingesting foliage, bark or cones may cause vomiting, diarrhoea, drooling or appetite loss in cats and dogs, and the sap/oils can irritate skin.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats leyland cypress?

× Cuprocyparis leylandii is not individually listed on the ASPCA toxic or non-toxic plant lists; treat with caution and verify with a vet. Ingesting foliage, bark or cones may cause vomiting, diarrhoea, drooling or appetite loss in cats and dogs, and the sap/oils can irritate skin. 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 leyland cypress.

What should I do if my cat ate leyland 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 leyland cypress toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to leyland 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 leyland cypress pet-safety