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Is Common Boxwood 'Suffruticosa' toxic to cats?

Buxus sempervirens 'Suffruticosa'

Toxic to cats

Yes — common boxwood 'suffruticosa' 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. Boxwood (Buxus) is listed by the ASPCA as toxic to dogs, cats and horses. All parts contain steroidal alkaloids (notably buxine); ingestion causes vomiting, diarrhoea and, with larger amounts, neurological signs such as ataxia and seizures. The bitter foliage usually deters serious browsing, but keep clippings away from pets.

What to do if your cat ate common boxwood 'suffruticosa'

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

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

Is common boxwood 'suffruticosa' toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is common boxwood 'suffruticosa' toxic to cats?

Yes — common boxwood 'suffruticosa' is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Boxwood (Buxus) is listed by the ASPCA as toxic to dogs, cats and horses. All parts contain steroidal alkaloids (notably buxine); ingestion causes vomiting, diarrhoea and, with larger amounts, neurological signs such as ataxia and seizures. The bitter foliage usually deters serious browsing, but keep clippings away from pets.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats common boxwood 'suffruticosa'?

Boxwood (Buxus) is listed by the ASPCA as toxic to dogs, cats and horses. All parts contain steroidal alkaloids (notably buxine); ingestion causes vomiting, diarrhoea and, with larger amounts, neurological signs such as ataxia and seizures. The bitter foliage usually deters serious browsing, but keep clippings away from 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 common boxwood 'suffruticosa'.

What should I do if my cat ate common boxwood 'suffruticosa'?

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 common boxwood 'suffruticosa' toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Common Boxwood 'Suffruticosa' is toxic to dogs as well. See the full common boxwood 'suffruticosa' pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to common boxwood 'suffruticosa'?

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 common boxwood 'suffruticosa' pet-safety