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Is Pinnate Santolina toxic to cats?

Santolina pinnata

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists pinnate santolina 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. Santolina is not listed on the ASPCA toxic or non-toxic plant database for cats or dogs. The leaves contain volatile aromatic oils that can cause contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals and mild gastrointestinal upset if ingested by pets in quantity; bruised foliage has been recorded causing a rash on sensitive skin. Treat with caution around cats and dogs.

What to do if your cat ate pinnate santolina

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

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

Is pinnate santolina toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is pinnate santolina toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists pinnate santolina 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. Santolina is not listed on the ASPCA toxic or non-toxic plant database for cats or dogs. The leaves contain volatile aromatic oils that can cause contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals and mild gastrointestinal upset if ingested by pets in quantity; bruised foliage has been recorded causing a rash on sensitive skin. Treat with caution around cats and dogs.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats pinnate santolina?

Santolina is not listed on the ASPCA toxic or non-toxic plant database for cats or dogs. The leaves contain volatile aromatic oils that can cause contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals and mild gastrointestinal upset if ingested by pets in quantity; bruised foliage has been recorded causing a rash on sensitive skin. Treat with caution around cats and dogs. 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 pinnate santolina.

What should I do if my cat ate pinnate santolina?

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 pinnate santolina toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Pinnate Santolina is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full pinnate santolina pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to pinnate santolina?

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 pinnate santolina pet-safety