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Is Shimpaku Juniper toxic to cats?

Juniperus chinensis 'Shimpaku'

Toxic to cats

Yes — shimpaku 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. Chinese juniper (Juniperus chinensis) appears on the ASPCA toxic plant list; junipers contain volatile oils that can cause vomiting, diarrhoea and abdominal upset, and the needle-like foliage poses a choking and irritation risk. Keep away from cats and dogs and contact a vet if ingested.

What to do if your cat ate shimpaku juniper

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

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

Is shimpaku juniper toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is shimpaku juniper toxic to cats?

Yes — shimpaku juniper is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Chinese juniper (Juniperus chinensis) appears on the ASPCA toxic plant list; junipers contain volatile oils that can cause vomiting, diarrhoea and abdominal upset, and the needle-like foliage poses a choking and irritation risk. Keep away from cats and dogs and contact a vet if ingested.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats shimpaku juniper?

Chinese juniper (Juniperus chinensis) appears on the ASPCA toxic plant list; junipers contain volatile oils that can cause vomiting, diarrhoea and abdominal upset, and the needle-like foliage poses a choking and irritation risk. Keep away from cats and dogs and contact a vet if ingested. 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 shimpaku juniper.

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

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

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