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Is Winter Gem Boxwood toxic to cats?

Buxus microphylla 'Winter Gem'

Toxic to cats

Yes — winter gem boxwood 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. ASPCA lists Buxus (boxwood) as toxic to cats, dogs and horses. The toxic principles are steroidal alkaloids such as buxine; ingestion causes vomiting and diarrhea, with ataxia and seizures possible at higher doses. The bitter foliage usually deters animals, but keep clippings away from pets and discourage chewing.

What to do if your cat ate winter gem boxwood

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

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

Is winter gem boxwood toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is winter gem boxwood toxic to cats?

Yes — winter gem boxwood is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. ASPCA lists Buxus (boxwood) as toxic to cats, dogs and horses. The toxic principles are steroidal alkaloids such as buxine; ingestion causes vomiting and diarrhea, with ataxia and seizures possible at higher doses. The bitter foliage usually deters animals, but keep clippings away from pets and discourage chewing.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats winter gem boxwood?

ASPCA lists Buxus (boxwood) as toxic to cats, dogs and horses. The toxic principles are steroidal alkaloids such as buxine; ingestion causes vomiting and diarrhea, with ataxia and seizures possible at higher doses. The bitter foliage usually deters animals, but keep clippings away from pets and discourage chewing. 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 winter gem boxwood.

What should I do if my cat ate winter gem boxwood?

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 winter gem boxwood toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Winter Gem Boxwood is toxic to dogs as well. See the full winter gem boxwood pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to winter gem boxwood?

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 winter gem boxwood pet-safety