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Is Prickly Juniper toxic to cats?

Juniperus oxycedrus

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists prickly juniper 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. Juniperus species, including J. oxycedrus, are listed by ASPCA as mildly toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. The foliage, bark, and berries contain essential oils and resins that can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, and skin or mucous membrane irritation if ingested. The sharp needles also pose a physical injury risk. Consult a veterinarian if significant ingestion occurs.

What to do if your cat ate prickly juniper

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

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

Is prickly juniper toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is prickly juniper toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists prickly juniper 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. Juniperus species, including J. oxycedrus, are listed by ASPCA as mildly toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. The foliage, bark, and berries contain essential oils and resins that can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, and skin or mucous membrane irritation if ingested. The sharp needles also pose a physical injury risk. Consult a veterinarian if significant ingestion occurs.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats prickly juniper?

Juniperus species, including J. oxycedrus, are listed by ASPCA as mildly toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. The foliage, bark, and berries contain essential oils and resins that can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, and skin or mucous membrane irritation if ingested. The sharp needles also pose a physical injury risk. Consult a veterinarian if significant ingestion occurs. 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 prickly juniper.

What should I do if my cat ate prickly 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 prickly juniper toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to prickly 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 prickly juniper pet-safety