Are Cedar Trees and Shavings Toxic to Cats?

Yes, Cedar Can Be Toxic to Cats

Cedar is toxic to cats in most forms, including essential oils, fresh foliage, and aromatic shavings used as bedding or pest repellent. The phenolic compounds and volatile oils responsible for cedar’s distinctive scent are the same chemicals that irritate a cat’s respiratory system, liver, and skin. Cats are particularly sensitive to these compounds because they lack certain liver enzymes that help other mammals break down phenols efficiently.

Complicating matters, several unrelated trees are commonly called “cedar” in North America, including true cedars (Cedrus species), eastern red cedar (which is actually a juniper, Juniperus virginiana), and western red cedar (Thuja plicata). All of them can cause problems for cats, though in slightly different ways. If you are considering cedar in any form for your home, yard, or pet supplies, it is worth understanding the risks first.

Severity rating: Moderate. Mild exposures often cause respiratory or skin irritation; concentrated essential oils can cause severe liver damage and neurological symptoms.

Why Cedar Is a Problem for Cats

Cats process phenolic compounds very poorly. Their liver lacks adequate glucuronyl transferase, an enzyme that most mammals use to break down and excrete phenols. As a result, phenols and related compounds build up in a cat’s system and can cause serious toxicity at doses that would barely affect a dog.

Cedar products contain several chemicals that fall into this category:

• Phenols and phenolic oils: The primary toxic compounds, concentrated in cedar essential oil.
• Plicatic acid: Found in western red cedar, a potent respiratory irritant.
• Thujaplicins and thujones: Volatile compounds that affect the respiratory and nervous systems.
• Aromatic terpenes: Irritating to mucous membranes and skin.

Cats can be exposed to cedar several ways: by breathing aromatic oils, walking through cedar shavings and grooming their paws, chewing on cedar foliage, or having cedar-based products applied directly to them or their environment.

Clinical Symptoms of Cedar Toxicity

Symptoms vary with the form and amount of cedar exposure. Common signs include:

• Sneezing, coughing, or wheezing
• Excessive drooling
• Watery eyes or eye irritation
• Skin redness, itching, or hair loss
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Lethargy
• Loss of appetite

More serious signs from concentrated exposure, especially essential oils, include:

• Difficulty breathing
• Weakness or ataxia (wobbling)
• Tremors or muscle twitching
• Low body temperature
• Pale or yellow gums (liver damage)
• Collapse
• Unresponsiveness

Essential oil poisoning is a medical emergency. Cats exposed to concentrated cedar oils, whether through diffusers, topical application, or ingestion, need immediate veterinary care even if symptoms seem mild at first.

What to Do If Your Cat Was Exposed to Cedar

Response depends on the type of exposure. In all cases, move your cat away from the source immediately and ventilate the area. Then:

1. For inhaled cedar (shavings, diffusers): Get your cat into fresh air immediately. Monitor breathing and call your vet.
2. For skin or topical exposure: Bathe your cat gently with a mild, fragrance-free soap to remove oils. Wear gloves to avoid getting oil on yourself. Call your vet.
3. For ingestion: Do not induce vomiting. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435 immediately.
4. For eye exposure: Rinse gently with saline or clean water, then call your vet.
5. Remove the source from your home entirely before your cat returns to the area.
6. Save the product packaging or take a photo of the plant to share with the vet.

Do not wait for symptoms to worsen. Cats with phenol toxicity can deteriorate rapidly, and the earlier treatment starts, the better the outcome.

Veterinary Treatment for Cedar Toxicity

Veterinary care is tailored to the exposure type and severity. Treatment may include:

• Decontamination bathing with a mild detergent for topical exposures
• Oxygen therapy for respiratory distress
• IV fluids to support circulation and flush toxins
• Liver protectants like S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe) and N-acetylcysteine
• Anti-nausea and gastric protectant medications
• Blood work to monitor liver function
• Hospitalization with monitoring for moderate to severe cases

Recovery depends on the dose and how quickly treatment began. Mild exposures typically resolve with supportive care within a few days. Severe essential oil poisoning can cause lasting liver damage or death, making prevention the best strategy.

Avoiding Cedar in a Cat Household

If you share your home with cats, consider cedar a material to avoid. Common places cedar shows up include:

• Hamster, rabbit, and rodent bedding (especially relevant if you have multiple species)
• Flea-repellent products and collars
• Essential oil diffusers and aromatherapy
• Cedar closets, chests, and drawer liners
• Mulch and landscape bedding
• Cedar-based cat litters (some claim to be safer, but caution is warranted)
• Potpourri and scented candles

Safer alternatives for each of these exist. Aspen shavings work for small pets. Recycled paper and wheat-based products work for cat litter. Unscented wooden chests and plain cotton drawer liners replace cedar storage. Pet-safe flea treatments from your vet are vastly superior to cedar oil products. For more toxic plants to avoid, see our guides on mistletoe and cats, pine needles and cats, and rhubarb leaves and cats.

Call the Vet If…

Contact your veterinarian immediately if your cat:

• Has been exposed to cedar essential oil in any amount
• Is coughing, wheezing, or struggling to breathe
• Has skin redness, hair loss, or signs of irritation after cedar contact
• Is drooling, vomiting, or not eating after cedar exposure
• Seems weak, wobbly, or disoriented
• Is a kitten, senior, or has liver disease

For round-the-clock guidance, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435 or the Pet Poison Helpline at 855-764-7661. When calling, have the product name or plant photo ready along with your cat’s weight, age, and current symptoms. This information helps the toxicologist give you the most accurate treatment advice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are all types of cedar toxic to cats?

Yes, all major “cedar” plants and products sold in North America pose risks to cats. True cedars, eastern red cedar (a juniper), and western red cedar all contain compounds that can cause toxicity.

Is cedar mulch safe in a yard with outdoor cats?

Cedar mulch is less concentrated than essential oils but still emits volatile compounds that can irritate cats, especially those with asthma or allergies. Pine bark or untreated hardwood mulch is a safer choice.

Can I use cedar oil as a natural flea treatment on my cat?

No. Despite marketing claims, cedar oil is toxic to cats and has caused numerous reported poisonings. Use only vet-approved flea products, and never apply essential oils to cats.

What about cedar closets for storing clothes?

A cedar closet is usually fine if your cat does not spend time inside it. Keep the door closed and do not let your cat nap among cedar-scented clothes or use cedar chests as a resting spot.

My cat walked through cedar shavings. Should I be worried?

A brief walk-through is usually low risk, but monitor for any grooming-related ingestion or skin irritation. Wipe their paws with a damp cloth to remove residue, and watch for symptoms over the next 24 hours.