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Is Weeping Podocarpus toxic to cats?

Podocarpus gracilior

Toxic to cats

Yes — weeping podocarpus 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. Often sold as 'African fern pine' (now also classified as Afrocarpus gracilior), it belongs to the Podocarpus group the ASPCA lists (as 'Buddhist Pine', Podocarpaceae) as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. Treat foliage and seeds as toxic, keep away from pets, and verify with a vet if ingested.

What to do if your cat ate weeping podocarpus

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

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

Is weeping podocarpus toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is weeping podocarpus toxic to cats?

Yes — weeping podocarpus is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Often sold as 'African fern pine' (now also classified as Afrocarpus gracilior), it belongs to the Podocarpus group the ASPCA lists (as 'Buddhist Pine', Podocarpaceae) as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. Treat foliage and seeds as toxic, keep away from pets, and verify with a vet if ingested.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats weeping podocarpus?

Often sold as 'African fern pine' (now also classified as Afrocarpus gracilior), it belongs to the Podocarpus group the ASPCA lists (as 'Buddhist Pine', Podocarpaceae) as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. Treat foliage and seeds as toxic, keep away from pets, and verify with 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 weeping podocarpus.

What should I do if my cat ate weeping podocarpus?

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 weeping podocarpus toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Weeping Podocarpus is toxic to dogs as well. See the full weeping podocarpus pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to weeping podocarpus?

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 weeping podocarpus pet-safety