Boxwood
Buxus spp. · Buxaceae
How it looks
Boxwood (Buxus spp.) is a shrub with small, thick, leathery oval evergreen leaves densely set opposite one another. The branches are compact and take well to trimming, making it common for garden topiary and hedges. Height 20 in-10 ft (50 cm-3 m), with leaves small, about a finger-joint long.
Caution — monitor for GI symptoms
All parts of Boxwood (especially the leaves) contain irritating compounds that can cause vomiting and diarrhea if chewed. Most cats recover on their own, but as a caution-level plant it still calls for monitoring.
Guide for parents
An occasional nibble on Boxwood rarely leads to serious trouble, but its buxine alkaloids can irritate the stomach and mucous membranes, causing mild gastrointestinal upset. Make a habit of clearing away fallen leaves and broken stems the same day, and keep the pot somewhere your cat can't reach. If symptoms last more than 12 hours or your cat shows a marked loss of appetite, consult your vet.
If ingested
Contact your nearest vet immediately
- Onset
- 1–4 hours after ingestion
- Symptoms
- Vomiting, diarrhea
- Action
- Consult a vet and monitor. Go in immediately if symptoms worsen.
Details
- Scientific name
- Buxus spp.
- Common name
- Boxwood
- Family
- Buxaceae
- Toxic parts
- All parts (especially the leaves)
- Compounds
- Buxine alkaloids
- Onset
- 1–4 hours after ingestion
- Symptoms
- Vomiting, diarrhea
- Action
- Consult a vet and monitor. Go in immediately if symptoms worsen.
- Source
- ASPCA
