Pet safety
Is Podocarpus 'Maki' toxic to cats?
Podocarpus macrophyllus 'Maki'
Yes — podocarpus 'maki' 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. As a cultivar of Podocarpus macrophyllus, it falls under the ASPCA's toxic listing for 'Buddhist Pine' (Podocarpaceae): toxic to cats, dogs, and horses, with an unknown toxic principle causing vomiting and diarrhoea. Keep out of reach of pets; do not confuse with deadly Taxus yews.
What to do if your cat ate podocarpus 'maki'
- Remove any plant material from your cat's mouth and move podocarpus 'maki' out of reach.
- Note how much was eaten and when, and watch for drooling, vomiting, or lethargy.
- Do not induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist instructs you to.
- Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice.
- Bring a leaf or photo of podocarpus 'maki' to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.
General guidance, not veterinary advice. If you think your cat has eaten podocarpus 'maki', contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 — do not wait for symptoms to worsen.
Is podocarpus 'maki' toxic to cats? — FAQ
Is podocarpus 'maki' toxic to cats?
Yes — podocarpus 'maki' is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. As a cultivar of Podocarpus macrophyllus, it falls under the ASPCA's toxic listing for 'Buddhist Pine' (Podocarpaceae): toxic to cats, dogs, and horses, with an unknown toxic principle causing vomiting and diarrhoea. Keep out of reach of pets; do not confuse with deadly Taxus yews.
What are the symptoms if a cat eats podocarpus 'maki'?
As a cultivar of Podocarpus macrophyllus, it falls under the ASPCA's toxic listing for 'Buddhist Pine' (Podocarpaceae): toxic to cats, dogs, and horses, with an unknown toxic principle causing vomiting and diarrhoea. Keep out of reach of pets; do not confuse with deadly Taxus yews. 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 podocarpus 'maki'.
What should I do if my cat ate podocarpus 'maki'?
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 podocarpus 'maki' toxic to dogs too?
The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Podocarpus 'Maki' is toxic to dogs as well. See the full podocarpus 'maki' pet-safety guide for both species.
What is a cat-safe alternative to podocarpus 'maki'?
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 podocarpus 'maki' pet-safety
- Is podocarpus 'maki' toxic to cats and dogs? — the full guide for both pets
- Is podocarpus 'maki' toxic to dogs?
- My cat ate podocarpus 'maki' — emergency steps
- Best cats-safe plants — the full ASPCA non-toxic list
- Complete podocarpus 'maki' care guide