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Pet safety

Is Rimu toxic to cats?

Dacrydium cupressinum

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists rimu 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. Not individually listed by the ASPCA. The Dacrydium genus belongs to the Podocarpaceae family; some related species produce seed cones (arils) that may cause gastrointestinal upset in pets if ingested. Treat with caution and keep away from animals.

What to do if your cat ate rimu

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

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

Is rimu toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is rimu toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists rimu 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. Not individually listed by the ASPCA. The Dacrydium genus belongs to the Podocarpaceae family; some related species produce seed cones (arils) that may cause gastrointestinal upset in pets if ingested. Treat with caution and keep away from animals.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats rimu?

Not individually listed by the ASPCA. The Dacrydium genus belongs to the Podocarpaceae family; some related species produce seed cones (arils) that may cause gastrointestinal upset in pets if ingested. Treat with caution and keep away from animals. 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 rimu.

What should I do if my cat ate rimu?

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 rimu toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to rimu?

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 rimu pet-safety