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Is Savin Juniper toxic to cats?

Juniperus sabina

Toxic to cats

Yes — savin juniper 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. Juniperus sabina (Savin) is notably more toxic than other junipers. It contains sabinol and sabinene, potent volatile oils that are toxic to dogs, cats, and horses, causing vomiting, diarrhoea, kidney damage, and CNS effects with significant ingestion. It was historically used as an abortifacient and is considered the most toxic juniper species. Keep all pets and livestock away from all plant parts.

What to do if your cat ate savin juniper

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

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

Is savin juniper toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is savin juniper toxic to cats?

Yes — savin juniper is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Juniperus sabina (Savin) is notably more toxic than other junipers. It contains sabinol and sabinene, potent volatile oils that are toxic to dogs, cats, and horses, causing vomiting, diarrhoea, kidney damage, and CNS effects with significant ingestion. It was historically used as an abortifacient and is considered the most toxic juniper species. Keep all pets and livestock away from all plant parts.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats savin juniper?

Juniperus sabina (Savin) is notably more toxic than other junipers. It contains sabinol and sabinene, potent volatile oils that are toxic to dogs, cats, and horses, causing vomiting, diarrhoea, kidney damage, and CNS effects with significant ingestion. It was historically used as an abortifacient and is considered the most toxic juniper species. Keep all pets and livestock away from all plant parts. 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 savin juniper.

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

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

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