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Is Parsons Juniper toxic to cats?

Juniperus chinensis 'Parsonii'

Toxic to cats

Yes — parsons juniper is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List. The ASPCA lists Juniperus / juniper as toxic to cats and dogs. Foliage and berries (cones) contain volatile oils that can cause vomiting, diarrhoea and, in larger ingestions, kidney irritation. Keep pets from eating the plant or its berries and consult a vet if ingested.

What to do if your cat ate parsons juniper

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

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

Is parsons juniper toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is parsons juniper toxic to cats?

Yes — parsons juniper is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. The ASPCA lists Juniperus / juniper as toxic to cats and dogs. Foliage and berries (cones) contain volatile oils that can cause vomiting, diarrhoea and, in larger ingestions, kidney irritation. Keep pets from eating the plant or its berries and consult a vet if ingested.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats parsons juniper?

The ASPCA lists Juniperus / juniper as toxic to cats and dogs. Foliage and berries (cones) contain volatile oils that can cause vomiting, diarrhoea and, in larger ingestions, kidney irritation. Keep pets from eating the plant or its berries and consult a vet if ingested. 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 parsons juniper.

What should I do if my cat ate parsons juniper?

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 parsons juniper toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Parsons Juniper is toxic to dogs as well. See the full parsons juniper pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to parsons juniper?

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 parsons juniper pet-safety