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Is Winter Gold Mugo Pine toxic to cats?

Pinus mugo 'Winter Gold'

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists winter gold mugo pine 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. Pinus mugo is not individually listed by the ASPCA; the closest entry, Ponderosa Pine, is listed as toxic to horses only (isocupressic acid) and is not classed as toxic to dogs or cats. Because mugo pine is not affirmatively listed as non-toxic, treat with caution: needles and resinous sap can cause gastrointestinal upset, and stiff needles pose a mechanical hazard. Verify with a vet if a pet ingests it.

What to do if your cat ate winter gold mugo pine

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

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

Is winter gold mugo pine toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is winter gold mugo pine toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists winter gold mugo pine 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. Pinus mugo is not individually listed by the ASPCA; the closest entry, Ponderosa Pine, is listed as toxic to horses only (isocupressic acid) and is not classed as toxic to dogs or cats. Because mugo pine is not affirmatively listed as non-toxic, treat with caution: needles and resinous sap can cause gastrointestinal upset, and stiff needles pose a mechanical hazard. Verify with a vet if a pet ingests it.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats winter gold mugo pine?

Pinus mugo is not individually listed by the ASPCA; the closest entry, Ponderosa Pine, is listed as toxic to horses only (isocupressic acid) and is not classed as toxic to dogs or cats. Because mugo pine is not affirmatively listed as non-toxic, treat with caution: needles and resinous sap can cause gastrointestinal upset, and stiff needles pose a mechanical hazard. Verify with a vet if a pet ingests it. 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 gold mugo pine.

What should I do if my cat ate winter gold mugo pine?

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 gold mugo pine toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Winter Gold Mugo Pine is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full winter gold mugo pine pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to winter gold mugo pine?

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 gold mugo pine pet-safety