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.
Safer alternatives
Some links earn us a small commission. They never affect our safety classifications.
Source evidence
ASPCA Toxic Plant List
toxicology · 99% reliability
Boxwood is listed as toxic to cats and dogs, causing vomiting and diarrhea.
Same cat verdict
Related plants for cats
Azalea
Rhododendron spp
Azaleas are flowering shrubs in the Rhododendron genus that contain grayanotoxins, which can cause significant illness if ingested by pets. These plants are highly toxic and require immediate veterinary attention if consumption is suspected.
Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.
Barbados Pride
Poinciana gilliesii
Barbados Pride is a flowering shrub known for its striking yellow flowers and long red stamens. It contains compounds that can cause gastrointestinal distress if ingested by pets.
Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.
Castor Bean
Ricinus communis
The African Wonder Tree is a fast-growing ornamental shrub known for its large, palm-like leaves and unique seed pods. It contains ricin, a highly potent toxin found throughout the plant, with the highest concentration in the seeds.
Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.
Desert Bird of Paradise
Caesalpinia gilliesii
Caesalpinia gilliesii, often called the Bird of Paradise shrub, is a flowering plant known for its striking yellow and red blooms. It contains compounds that can cause gastrointestinal distress if ingested by pets.
Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.