Growli
Let's go

Pet safety

Is Pyramidalis Arborvitae toxic to cats?

Thuja occidentalis 'Pyramidalis'

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists pyramidalis arborvitae 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. Thuja occidentalis is not individually listed on the ASPCA toxic or non-toxic plant lists; treat with caution and verify with a vet. Foliage and oil contain thujone, which in quantity can cause drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea, and in severe cases neurological signs in dogs and cats. Reported poisonings are uncommon, but prevent ingestion and monitor pets.

What to do if your cat ate pyramidalis arborvitae

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

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

Is pyramidalis arborvitae toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is pyramidalis arborvitae toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists pyramidalis arborvitae 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. Thuja occidentalis is not individually listed on the ASPCA toxic or non-toxic plant lists; treat with caution and verify with a vet. Foliage and oil contain thujone, which in quantity can cause drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea, and in severe cases neurological signs in dogs and cats. Reported poisonings are uncommon, but prevent ingestion and monitor pets.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats pyramidalis arborvitae?

Thuja occidentalis is not individually listed on the ASPCA toxic or non-toxic plant lists; treat with caution and verify with a vet. Foliage and oil contain thujone, which in quantity can cause drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea, and in severe cases neurological signs in dogs and cats. Reported poisonings are uncommon, but prevent ingestion and monitor pets. 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 pyramidalis arborvitae.

What should I do if my cat ate pyramidalis arborvitae?

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 pyramidalis arborvitae toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Pyramidalis Arborvitae is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full pyramidalis arborvitae pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to pyramidalis arborvitae?

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 pyramidalis arborvitae pet-safety