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Is Nootka Cypress toxic to cats?

Chamaecyparis nootkatensis

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists nootka 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 nootkatensis is not individually listed by ASPCA. The foliage contains aromatic oils with potential to cause mild gastrointestinal irritation in pets if ingested. The yellow cedar timber has also been noted to cause skin irritation in some people during woodworking. Caution advised.

What to do if your cat ate nootka cypress

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

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

Is nootka cypress toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is nootka cypress toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists nootka 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 nootkatensis is not individually listed by ASPCA. The foliage contains aromatic oils with potential to cause mild gastrointestinal irritation in pets if ingested. The yellow cedar timber has also been noted to cause skin irritation in some people during woodworking. Caution advised.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats nootka cypress?

Chamaecyparis nootkatensis is not individually listed by ASPCA. The foliage contains aromatic oils with potential to cause mild gastrointestinal irritation in pets if ingested. The yellow cedar timber has also been noted to cause skin irritation in some people during woodworking. Caution advised. 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 nootka cypress.

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

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

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