What should I do if my cat ate Buddhist Pine?

Remove any remaining plant material from your cat's mouth and surrounding area and call a vet or Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661) before giving food, water, or anything else by mouth. Do not confuse Buddhist Pine with the much more dangerous Japanese yew (Taxus) - both ASPCA and Pet Poison Helpline flag this distinction explicitly. Call your vet or Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661) the same day your cat chews Buddhist Pine. Go in immediately if vomiting and diarrhea are repeated, the cat refuses water, or you see signs of dehydration.

What should I do if my dog ate Buddhist Pine?

Remove any plant material still in your dog's mouth and bring a piece of the plant (or a clear photo) with you so the vet can confirm the species. Offer fresh water, but do not induce vomiting unless your vet or the poison control line specifically tells you to. Then call ASPCA Poison Control or Pet Poison Helpline before driving in, so they can advise on whether home monitoring is appropriate or you should be seen. Call your vet or the ASPCA Poison Control hotline (888-426-4435) any time you see vomiting, diarrhea, or drooling after Buddhist Pine exposure — especially if the dog ate cones, if vomiting happens more than once, or if there are any neurological signs (tremors, dilated pupils, weakness). For a small dog or any large ingestion, call right away rather than waiting.

Buddhist Pine — no rights reserved, uploaded by 葉子 — Photo by no rights reserved, uploaded by 葉子iNaturalistCC0

Photo by no rights reserved, uploaded by 葉子iNaturalistCC0

Pet safety reference

Buddhist Pine

Q: Is Buddhist Pine safe for cats?

Buddhist Pine is potentially toxic to cats. Ingestion typically results in mild to moderate gastrointestinal upset. Please contact your veterinarian or a pet poison control center if you suspect your cat has consumed any part of this plant.

Q: Is Buddhist Pine safe for dogs?

Buddhist Pine is potentially toxic to dogs. While usually not life-threatening in small amounts, ingestion can cause significant digestive discomfort. Always consult a veterinarian if your dog shows signs of illness after exposure.

Podocarpus macrophyllus

The Buddhist Pine is a slow-growing evergreen conifer often used as an ornamental shrub or bonsai specimen. While popular for its needle-like foliage, it contains compounds that can cause gastrointestinal distress if ingested by pets.

Check a list

Buddhist PineFern PinePodocarpus macrophyllaPodocarpus macrophyllusYew Pine

Light: Bright indirect light
Habit: Upright shrub or tree
Care: Moderate

Safety status

Cats & Dogs

Potentially toxic

Consulted 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

ASPCA Toxic Plant List

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, lethargy, and potential loss of appetite.

Escalation note

Ingestion typically results in mild to moderate gastrointestinal upset. Please contact your veterinarian or a pet poison control center if you suspect your cat has consumed any part of this plant.

Dogs — concern notes

Common signs

Vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and drooling.

Escalation note

While usually not life-threatening in small amounts, ingestion can cause significant digestive discomfort. Always consult a veterinarian if your dog shows signs of illness after exposure.

Safer alternatives

No hand-picked alternatives for this plant yet. You can still pick your own using the Compare button on any other plant.

Source evidence

ASPCA Toxic Plant List

toxicology · 99% reliability

Open source

The Buddhist Pine is listed as toxic to both cats and dogs by the ASPCA.

Kew Plants of the World Online

botanical · 95% reliability

Open source

Official botanical record for Podocarpus macrophyllus (Thunb.) Sweet.

cats safety page My cat ate Buddhist Pine dogs safety page My dog ate Buddhist Pine

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