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Pet safety

Is Norfolk Island Pine toxic to cats?

Araucaria heterophylla

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists norfolk island 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. Not individually listed by the ASPCA as toxic, but Araucaria sap and foliage are reported to cause mild gastrointestinal upset and skin irritation in pets if ingested in large amounts. Keep away from cats and dogs as a precaution.

What to do if your cat ate norfolk island pine

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

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

Is norfolk island pine toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is norfolk island pine toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists norfolk island 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. Not individually listed by the ASPCA as toxic, but Araucaria sap and foliage are reported to cause mild gastrointestinal upset and skin irritation in pets if ingested in large amounts. Keep away from cats and dogs as a precaution.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats norfolk island pine?

Not individually listed by the ASPCA as toxic, but Araucaria sap and foliage are reported to cause mild gastrointestinal upset and skin irritation in pets if ingested in large amounts. Keep away from cats and dogs as a precaution. 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 norfolk island pine.

What should I do if my cat ate norfolk island 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 norfolk island pine toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Norfolk Island Pine is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full norfolk island pine pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to norfolk island 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 norfolk island pine pet-safety