Is Red Cedar Mulch Poisonous to Cats?

Keep red cedar mulch away from cats.

Red cedar mulch is not poisonous to cats, but it can still kill a cat if the cat chews wood. Chewing and swallowing bizarre items is called pica. A mulch that is poisonous to both dogs and cats is cocoa mulch or cocoa bean mulch.

Significance

Cats can get into the bad habit of chewing on wood, including red cedar mulch. Since red cedar mulch is chopped into small chunks or shreds, the cat can easily swallow the pieces. This can cause intestinal blockages or damage to the mouth and internal organs.

Predisposition

Siamese cats are most prone to chewing wood.

Why cats develop pica is unknown. But cats that are the most prone to developing it are Siamese or part-Siamese cats, according to Best Friends Animal Society.

Prevention

To prevent cats from swallowing red cedar mulch, keep them indoors and away from the mulch. Never use the mulch indoors. If this is not possible, place a foul-tasting substance on the mulch -- or a spicy substance like Tabasco sauce -- to discourage the cat.

References

• ASPCA: Guide to Pet Safe Gardening
• King County, Washington, Animal Services: Chewing Dangerous Objects
• Cats of Australia: Pica & Wool Sucking in Cats
• Best Friends Animal Society: Pica: The Un-finicky Feline

Resources

• Cat Channel: My Cat is Biting the Wood Furniture
• Berkeley Parents' Network: Keeping Cats Out of the Yard