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Pet safety

Is Palo Santo toxic to cats?

Bursera graveolens

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists palo santo 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. Bursera graveolens is not individually listed by ASPCA as either toxic or non-toxic. Bursera sap and resins contain terpenoids and can irritate skin and mucous membranes on contact. Ingestion may cause mild gastrointestinal upset. Treat with caution around pets and children; the smoke from burning wood should be used in ventilated spaces only.

What to do if your cat ate palo santo

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

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

Is palo santo toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is palo santo toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists palo santo 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. Bursera graveolens is not individually listed by ASPCA as either toxic or non-toxic. Bursera sap and resins contain terpenoids and can irritate skin and mucous membranes on contact. Ingestion may cause mild gastrointestinal upset. Treat with caution around pets and children; the smoke from burning wood should be used in ventilated spaces only.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats palo santo?

Bursera graveolens is not individually listed by ASPCA as either toxic or non-toxic. Bursera sap and resins contain terpenoids and can irritate skin and mucous membranes on contact. Ingestion may cause mild gastrointestinal upset. Treat with caution around pets and children; the smoke from burning wood should be used in ventilated spaces only. 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 palo santo.

What should I do if my cat ate palo santo?

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 palo santo toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Palo Santo is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full palo santo pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to palo santo?

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 palo santo pet-safety