Pet emergency
My cat ate Glaskins Perpetual Rhubarb — what to do
Step by step
- Take glaskins perpetual rhubarb 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 glaskins perpetual rhubarb — FAQ
Is glaskins perpetual rhubarb poisonous to cats?
Yes — the ASPCA lists Glaskins Perpetual Rhubarb (Rheum × hybridum 'Glaskin's Perpetual') as toxic to cats. ASPCA lists rhubarb as toxic to dogs, cats and horses; the toxic principle is soluble calcium oxalates concentrated in the leaves. Signs include kidney failure, tremors and salivation. Although this cultivar has lower oxalic acid in the stalks, the leaves remain hazardous to pets and should never be eaten or left where animals graze.
How serious is it if my cat ate glaskins perpetual rhubarb?
Glaskins Perpetual Rhubarb is toxic to cats and reactions can be significant, so treat any ingestion as urgent. Call your vet or poison control on (888) 426-4435 straight away rather than waiting to see if symptoms develop.
What symptoms should I watch for?
Signs usually appear soon after chewing: drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy. ASPCA lists rhubarb as toxic to dogs, cats and horses; the toxic principle is soluble calcium oxalates concentrated in the leaves. Signs include kidney failure, tremors and salivation. Although this cultivar has lower oxalic acid in the stalks, the leaves remain hazardous to pets and should never be eaten or left where animals graze. 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 glaskins perpetual rhubarb well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best cats-safe plants list.
Related
- Is glaskins perpetual rhubarb toxic to cats? — full toxicity detail
- Glaskins Perpetual Rhubarb and pets — the complete ASPCA pet-safety guide