Are Norfolk pine trees poisonous for cats?

Question

I received a nice Norfolk Pine tree as a Christmas present. We have two cats who like to snack on plants. Are Norfolk Pines poisonous to cats?

Janet Pizaro · Answer

I am sorry to say but yes they are very toxic to pets who decide to have a snack.

The Garden Frog with C Renee · Answer

Do your cats nibble on all your plants or do they have certain ones they eat? In 30 years of having cats I have never had one die from eating a houseplant. I also feed mine Purina or Friskies Outdoor formula cat food and in 15 years of feeding them this food they (and currently have 3 that go in and out) do not eat or nibble on any 'toxic' plants (and my home is full of them according to the info). If you have a problem with cats eating plants, then I would think about growing grass or some sort of edible green plant for them to nibble on. I also suggest, if you feed them store bought food, to start them on what I feed my cats to see if this helps. If someone believes store bought food is bad, then I will add that my beloved Thomas lived to be 21 eating Purina outdoor formula. I am adding this info because I would hate for you to 'throw' out a plant just because it is 'toxic' and could make your cat sick if ingested.

Sherrie Slaboda · Answer

I planted several 'Christmas Norfolk Pines' outside and a lot of wildlife visits here. I've never seen a cat, bear, raccoon, bear, squirrel or dog snack on it.

Connie K · Answer

I guess I am an over protective 'cat mommy' but I do not keep poisonous plants unless I can keep them out of reach of my kitty (just one at the moment) who is an indoor only boy. Our kitty, Domino, does not seem to be interested in house plants to the extent our other cat, Winston J., (crossed the bridge one year ago) was. He would try to eat any plant, attested to by his teeth prints in my silk plant arrangements, in spite of his having his own kitty grass. He continued to snack on my bamboo plant until it finally gave up the ghost. So, given that example, I prefer to err on the side of caution and give up my indoor plants. And, believe me, it isn't easy since my favorite plants are various types of lily which is one of the most dangerous given even the pollen from them can make a cat extremely ill. So, my one and only 'unsafe plant', a beautiful Peace Lily, is on a tall shelf that is only wide enough for the planter, is above jumping height, and has no spots close to use as a jumping 'from' point. When the plant gets too large for this place, I suppose it will gift it to a friend with no cats!
 If you aren't certain, buy a small, inexpensive, safe plant as a try-out to see how they respond. Only you know your cats behavior patterns so the choice is yours. If you do have a location that is unreachable by your cats, and you feel it is safe, then enjoy your Norfolk Pine and your kitties.

Victoria Cross · Answer

They are, but since pine tar is VERY bitter, most animals will not bother any type of evergreen.  If you're worried, you can always spray the branches with a weak vinegar/water mixture, cats don't like vinegar and the acid fertilizes the plant.

Barbara Dube Losee · Answer

I'd like to thank everyone for the wonderful responses to my question about the safety of having a Norfolk Pine with my indoor cats. During the cold months here in Conn., I'll keep the plant inside, but in a hard to reach location. Come Spring, I'll relocate it outside where both it, and I, will be happier I'm sure. Thanks again.

Lisa Harris · Answer

I have 3 house only cats and 2 big house dogs, according to all the toxic lists, I have many many toxic plants in my home. My Bella likes to snack on plants but she has never attempted to snack on anything that is listed as toxic. I grow cat grass, catmint and catnip in small pots

throughout the house and that may be why she doesn’t attempt to snack on the others that I have to bring in for winter. My other 2 cats I inherited from my mom this past June and so far they show zero interest in any of the houseplants other than throwing the dirt into the floor and rolling in it! I will definitely have to keep an eye on the newest additions to my family because they aren’t used to being inside all the time and it would kill me if something happened to either of these precious kitties that link me to my beloved Mom who is now with my dad in Heaven.

Rose Bell · Answer

A lot of people are saying this plant is toxic. Other websites even say that according to the ASPCA it is toxic. But I looked it up myself on ASPCA and they list it as non toxic to cats and dogs. They have it listed under Australian Pine, with Norfolk Island Pine being another name that is also used for it. Link below. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants/australian-pine

Are Norfolk pine trees poisonous for cats?

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Are Norfolk pine trees poisonous for cats?

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