Pet emergency
My cat ate Crimson and Gold quince — what to do
Step by step
- Take crimson and gold quince away and remove any plant material from your cat's mouth so they cannot eat more.
- Note roughly how much was eaten and when — this helps the vet judge the risk.
- Do NOT induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist tells you to.
- Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 (a consultation fee may apply) and follow their advice.
- Watch for drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or lethargy, and bring a leaf or photo to the appointment.
This is general guidance, not veterinary advice. Pets vary, and a reaction may be to soil, fertiliser, or pesticide as well as the plant. When in doubt, call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435.
My cat ate crimson and gold quince — FAQ
Is crimson and gold quince poisonous to cats?
Yes — the ASPCA lists Crimson and Gold quince (Chaenomeles speciosa 'Crimson and Gold') as mildly toxic to cats. Chaenomeles seeds contain amygdalin, a cyanogenic glycoside found across the Rosaceae family. Cooked fruit is edible; raw seeds should not be eaten by pets or humans. ASPCA does not list this species individually; treat as mildly toxic based on seed content and family precedent.
How serious is it if my cat ate crimson and gold quince?
Crimson and Gold quince is mildly toxic, so most cats get short-lived mouth irritation, drooling, and vomiting rather than a life-threatening reaction. It is still worth a vet call to be safe, especially if your cat ate a lot or symptoms persist.
What symptoms should I watch for?
Signs usually appear soon after chewing: drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy. Chaenomeles seeds contain amygdalin, a cyanogenic glycoside found across the Rosaceae family. Cooked fruit is edible; raw seeds should not be eaten by pets or humans. ASPCA does not list this species individually; treat as mildly toxic based on seed content and family precedent. Any worsening or persistent symptoms warrant an immediate vet visit.
Should I make my cat vomit?
No — do not induce vomiting unless a vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center specifically tells you to. The wrong action can make things worse. Call (888) 426-4435 and follow professional advice.
How do I stop this happening again?
Keep crimson and gold quince well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best cats-safe plants list.
Related
- Is crimson and gold quince toxic to cats? — full toxicity detail
- Crimson and Gold quince and pets — the complete ASPCA pet-safety guide