Pet emergency
My cat ate Nivalis flowering quince — what to do
Step by step
- Take nivalis flowering 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 a poison-control line — (888) 426-4435 in the US, or Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509 000 in the UK. Both charge a consultation fee. 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 in the US, or Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509 000 in the UK.
My cat ate nivalis flowering quince — FAQ
Is nivalis flowering quince poisonous to cats?
Yes — Nivalis flowering quince (Chaenomeles speciosa 'Nivalis') is regarded as mildly toxic to cats, based on genus- and family-level toxicity data. Chaenomeles seeds contain cyanogenic glycosides (amygdalin), as do the seeds of most Rosaceae. The fleshy fruit is edible after cooking. ASPCA does not individually list Chaenomeles speciosa cultivars, but ingestion of seeds or large quantities of raw fruit by pets may cause gastrointestinal upset. Treat as mildly toxic as a precaution.
How serious is it if my cat ate nivalis flowering quince?
Nivalis flowering 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 cyanogenic glycosides (amygdalin), as do the seeds of most Rosaceae. The fleshy fruit is edible after cooking. ASPCA does not individually list Chaenomeles speciosa cultivars, but ingestion of seeds or large quantities of raw fruit by pets may cause gastrointestinal upset. Treat as mildly toxic as a precaution. 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 a poison-control specialist specifically tells you to. The wrong action can make things worse. Call your vet, or (888) 426-4435 in the US, or Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509 000 in the UK, and follow professional advice.
How do I stop this happening again?
Keep nivalis flowering quince well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best cats-safe plants list.
Type any plant to see what the ASPCA says about it and your cat.
Related
- My cat ate chinese flowering quince — the species this cultivar belongs to, checked separately
- Is nivalis flowering quince toxic to cats? — full toxicity detail
- Nivalis flowering quince and pets — the complete ASPCA pet-safety guide
- Best plant app for pet owners — which apps actually flag ASPCA toxicity before you buy the plant