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Is Tamarix-leaf Savin Juniper toxic to cats?

Juniperus sabina 'Tamariscifolia'

Toxic to cats

Yes — tamarix-leaf 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 is a well-established toxic plant for dogs, cats, and horses. All parts — especially the berries and branch tips — contain the toxic volatile oil sabinenol (savin oil), sabinene, and podophyllotoxin. Ingestion causes vomiting, bloody diarrhea, severe abdominal pain, and in significant doses can cause kidney damage, low blood pressure, and seizures. Seek emergency veterinary care immediately if ingestion is suspected. Not listed on the ASPCA database by name, but widely documented as hazardous by veterinary poison control authorities.

What to do if your cat ate tamarix-leaf savin juniper

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

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

Is tamarix-leaf savin juniper toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is tamarix-leaf savin juniper toxic to cats?

Yes — tamarix-leaf 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 is a well-established toxic plant for dogs, cats, and horses. All parts — especially the berries and branch tips — contain the toxic volatile oil sabinenol (savin oil), sabinene, and podophyllotoxin. Ingestion causes vomiting, bloody diarrhea, severe abdominal pain, and in significant doses can cause kidney damage, low blood pressure, and seizures. Seek emergency veterinary care immediately if ingestion is suspected. Not listed on the ASPCA database by name, but widely documented as hazardous by veterinary poison control authorities.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats tamarix-leaf savin juniper?

Juniperus sabina is a well-established toxic plant for dogs, cats, and horses. All parts — especially the berries and branch tips — contain the toxic volatile oil sabinenol (savin oil), sabinene, and podophyllotoxin. Ingestion causes vomiting, bloody diarrhea, severe abdominal pain, and in significant doses can cause kidney damage, low blood pressure, and seizures. Seek emergency veterinary care immediately if ingestion is suspected. Not listed on the ASPCA database by name, but widely documented as hazardous by veterinary poison control authorities. 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 tamarix-leaf savin juniper.

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

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

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