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Pet safety

Is Paper Birch toxic to cats?

Betula papyrifera

Non-toxic to cats

No — paper birch is listed by the ASPCA as non-toxic to cats. It is a sensible choice for a home with a cat; a curious nibble will not poison them, though no plant is meant to be eaten. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List. Betula papyrifera is not listed as toxic to dogs, cats, or horses by ASPCA. The Betula genus has no established toxic principle in plant form. Commercial xylitol derived from birch hemicellulose is a processed product distinct from the living tree and is not naturally concentrated in bark at dangerous levels.

Is paper birch toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is paper birch toxic to cats?

No — paper birch is listed by the ASPCA as non-toxic to cats. It is a sensible choice for a home with a cat; a curious nibble will not poison them, though no plant is meant to be eaten. Betula papyrifera is not listed as toxic to dogs, cats, or horses by ASPCA. The Betula genus has no established toxic principle in plant form. Commercial xylitol derived from birch hemicellulose is a processed product distinct from the living tree and is not naturally concentrated in bark at dangerous levels.

Is paper birch safe for cats?

Yes — the ASPCA lists paper birch as non-toxic to cats and dogs. A cat that chews a large amount of any foliage can still get a mild, brief stomach upset, so discourage grazing, but it will not be poisoned.

Is paper birch toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Paper Birch is non-toxic to dogs as well. See the full paper birch pet-safety guide for both species.

What other plants are safe for cats?

Reliable ASPCA non-toxic picks for a cat home include spider plant, calathea, parlor palm, peperomia, and most true ferns. Browse the best cats-safe plants list to check more before you buy.

Full paper birch pet-safety