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Is Western Arborvitae Zebrina toxic to cats?

Thuja plicata 'Zebrina'

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists western arborvitae zebrina 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. Thuja is not individually listed on the ASPCA toxic or non-toxic plant lists, so a pet-safe label cannot be confirmed; treat with caution and verify with a vet. The foliage contains volatile oils including thujone and ingestion may cause mild gastrointestinal upset (drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea) in dogs and cats.

What to do if your cat ate western arborvitae zebrina

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

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

Is western arborvitae zebrina toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is western arborvitae zebrina toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists western arborvitae zebrina 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. Thuja is not individually listed on the ASPCA toxic or non-toxic plant lists, so a pet-safe label cannot be confirmed; treat with caution and verify with a vet. The foliage contains volatile oils including thujone and ingestion may cause mild gastrointestinal upset (drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea) in dogs and cats.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats western arborvitae zebrina?

Thuja is not individually listed on the ASPCA toxic or non-toxic plant lists, so a pet-safe label cannot be confirmed; treat with caution and verify with a vet. The foliage contains volatile oils including thujone and ingestion may cause mild gastrointestinal upset (drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea) in dogs and cats. 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 western arborvitae zebrina.

What should I do if my cat ate western arborvitae zebrina?

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 western arborvitae zebrina toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Western Arborvitae Zebrina is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full western arborvitae zebrina pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to western arborvitae zebrina?

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 western arborvitae zebrina pet-safety