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Is Sticky Santolina toxic to cats?

Santolina viscosa

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists sticky santolina 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. Santolina viscosa is not listed on the ASPCA toxic or non-toxic plant database for cats or dogs. The volatile aromatic oils characteristic of the Santolina genus are present throughout the plant and may cause mild gastrointestinal irritation if ingested and contact dermatitis on sensitive skin; the sticky exudate on stems and leaves may additionally cause skin irritation in some individuals. Treat as mildly toxic around pets.

What to do if your cat ate sticky santolina

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

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

Is sticky santolina toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is sticky santolina toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists sticky santolina 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. Santolina viscosa is not listed on the ASPCA toxic or non-toxic plant database for cats or dogs. The volatile aromatic oils characteristic of the Santolina genus are present throughout the plant and may cause mild gastrointestinal irritation if ingested and contact dermatitis on sensitive skin; the sticky exudate on stems and leaves may additionally cause skin irritation in some individuals. Treat as mildly toxic around pets.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats sticky santolina?

Santolina viscosa is not listed on the ASPCA toxic or non-toxic plant database for cats or dogs. The volatile aromatic oils characteristic of the Santolina genus are present throughout the plant and may cause mild gastrointestinal irritation if ingested and contact dermatitis on sensitive skin; the sticky exudate on stems and leaves may additionally cause skin irritation in some individuals. Treat as mildly toxic around 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 sticky santolina.

What should I do if my cat ate sticky santolina?

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 sticky santolina toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to sticky santolina?

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 sticky santolina pet-safety