Cats
Potentially toxicConsulted references classify the plant as toxic or irritating for that pet type.
Verified against ASPCA/provenance audit 2026-05-06 on May 6, 2026.
Sources
cat safety reference
Is Boxwood safe for cats?
Buxus spp.
Boxwood is a popular evergreen shrub often used for hedging and topiary, containing steroidal alkaloids that can cause gastrointestinal distress if ingested. It is considered toxic to both cats and dogs.
BoxwoodBuxusBuxus spp.Common Box
- Light
- Full sun to partial shade
- Habit
- Shrub
- Care
- Moderate
Safety status
What this means for your cat
Boxwood is toxic to cats per ASPCA — it contains a butter-like oil and three alkaloids (buxine, cyclobuxine, cycloprotobuxine). The leaves are extremely bitter, so most cats stop after a nibble and serious cases are uncommon, but even a small bite typically triggers vomiting and diarrhea. Fatalities are rare in cats.
What to watch for
Vomiting and diarrhea are the primary signs. Cats often drool or paw at the mouth from the bitter taste. With heavier ingestion (uncommon for cats), look for dehydration, lethargy, or refusal to drink in the first 24 hours.
Time window
Sources do not specify exact onset for cats; case reports suggest GI signs can appear relatively quickly after a nibble. There is no specific antidote — care is supportive, and uncomplicated cases typically settle within 24 hours.
When to call the vet
Call if vomiting or diarrhea continues past a few hours, your cat won't drink, or she becomes weak. Kittens, elderly cats, or any cat with kidney or GI disease should be seen sooner.
First aid at home
Remove any leaves still in the cat's mouth and bag a sample for the vet. Offer water but don't force it. Do not induce vomiting at home. Call ASPCA Poison Control (888-426-4435) or your vet for guidance on whether to come in.
Sources: ASPCA, Wag! Veterinary.
If a pet has chewed or swallowed plant material and is showing symptoms, contact a veterinarian or poison resource immediately. This product is for structured reference, not diagnosis.
Cats — concern notes
Common signs
Vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.
Escalation note
Ingestion can lead to significant gastrointestinal upset. Please contact your veterinarian if you suspect your cat has consumed any part of this plant.
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Source evidence
ASPCA Toxic Plant List
toxicology · 99% reliability
Boxwood is listed as toxic to cats and dogs, causing vomiting and diarrhea.
Questions about Boxwood
Is boxwood toxic to cats?
Yes, boxwood (Buxus spp.) is toxic to cats. The shrub contains steroidal alkaloids that cause gastrointestinal distress, and it is classified as potentially toxic for cats.
What symptoms will my cat show after eating boxwood?
Vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain are the primary signs. Cats may also drool or paw at their mouth from the plant's bitter taste. With heavier ingestion, watch for dehydration, lethargy, or refusal to drink in the first 24 hours.
What should I do if my cat ate boxwood?
Remove any plant material still in your cat's mouth and bag a sample for the vet. Offer water but don't force it, and do not try to induce vomiting at home. Call ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 or your vet for guidance on whether your cat needs to be seen.
How quickly do boxwood poisoning symptoms appear in cats, and how serious is it?
GI signs can appear relatively quickly after ingestion, though exact onset timing is not specified in the available data. There is no specific antidote — treatment is supportive — and uncomplicated cases typically resolve within 24 hours. Kittens, elderly cats, or cats with existing kidney or GI disease should be evaluated sooner rather than waiting to see how symptoms progress.
Same cat verdict
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