Pet safety
Is Apple 'Cox's Orange Pippin'toxic to cats & dogs?
Malus domestica 'Cox's Orange Pippin'
Quick verdict — at a glance
- Toxic to cats?
- Yes — toxic
- Toxic to dogs?
- Yes — toxic
- ASPCA classification
- Toxic to pets · botanical name Malus domestica 'Cox's Orange Pippin'
Is apple 'cox's orange pippin' safe for cats and dogs?
No — apple 'cox's orange pippin' is toxic to cats and dogs. Keep it well away from any pet that chews plants; reactions can be significant. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List, the most widely used reference for companion-animal plant safety in the US and the standard most UK vets cite as well. The ASPCA lists Apple (Malus) as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. The toxic principle is cyanogenic glycosides in the stems, leaves, and seeds (most dangerous when wilting); the ripe fruit flesh is not poisonous. Substantial ingestion of toxic parts can cause brick-red gums, dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, panting, and shock.
| Pet | Toxic? | Per ASPCA |
|---|---|---|
| Cats | Yes | Toxic to pets |
| Dogs | Yes | Toxic to pets |
What happens if a pet eats apple 'cox's orange pippin'?
The ASPCA lists Apple (Malus) as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. The toxic principle is cyanogenic glycosides in the stems, leaves, and seeds (most dangerous when wilting); the ripe fruit flesh is not poisonous. Substantial ingestion of toxic parts can cause brick-red gums, dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, panting, and shock. Signs usually appear soon after chewing rather than hours later. If you see drooling, pawing at the mouth, head-shaking, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy after your pet has had access to apple 'cox's orange pippin', treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What to do if your pet ate apple 'cox's orange pippin'
- Remove any plant material from your pet's mouth and move apple 'cox's orange pippin' out of reach.
- Note how much was eaten and when, and watch for drooling, vomiting, or lethargy.
- Do not induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist instructs you to.
- Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice.
- Bring a leaf or photo of apple 'cox's orange pippin' to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.
This page is general guidance, not veterinary advice. Pets vary, and a reaction may be to soil, fertiliser, or pesticide rather than the plant. If you are worried, always contact a vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 — do not wait for symptoms to worsen.
Pet-safe alternatives to apple 'cox's orange pippin'
Want the same look without the risk? These plants are listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA and have similar care needs:
- Cucumber — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- Lettuce — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- Bean — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- Pea — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
Apple 'Cox's Orange Pippin' and pets — frequently asked questions
Is apple 'cox's orange pippin' toxic to cats?
Apple 'Cox's Orange Pippin' (Malus domestica 'Cox's Orange Pippin') is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. The ASPCA lists Apple (Malus) as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. The toxic principle is cyanogenic glycosides in the stems, leaves, and seeds (most dangerous when wilting); the ripe fruit flesh is not poisonous. Substantial ingestion of toxic parts can cause brick-red gums, dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, panting, and shock. Keep it out of reach and contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 if your cat chews it.
Is apple 'cox's orange pippin' toxic to dogs?
Per the ASPCA, Apple 'Cox's Orange Pippin' (Malus domestica 'Cox's Orange Pippin') is toxic to dogs. Dogs often chew more enthusiastically than cats, so a toxic plant like apple 'cox's orange pippin' is best removed from the floor and low shelves entirely.
What happens if my pet eats apple 'cox's orange pippin'?
The ASPCA lists Apple (Malus) as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. The toxic principle is cyanogenic glycosides in the stems, leaves, and seeds (most dangerous when wilting); the ripe fruit flesh is not poisonous. Substantial ingestion of toxic parts can cause brick-red gums, dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, panting, and shock. Signs usually appear soon after chewing rather than hours later. If you see drooling, pawing at the mouth, head-shaking, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy after your pet has had access to apple 'cox's orange pippin', treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What should I do if my cat or dog ate apple 'cox's orange pippin'?
Stay calm. Remove any remaining plant material from your pet's mouth and take the plant away so they cannot eat more. Note roughly how much was eaten and when. Do not make your pet vomit 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. Bringing a photo or a leaf of apple 'cox's orange pippin' to the appointment helps the vet treat it correctly.
What are pet-safe alternatives to apple 'cox's orange pippin'?
If you want a similar look without the risk, good non-toxic swaps include cucumber, lettuce, bean, pea. All of these are listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA, so they suit a home where pets have access to your plants.
Full apple 'cox's orange pippin' care
Pet-safety is one piece of the picture. For light, watering, soil, and troubleshooting, see the complete apple 'cox's orange pippin' care guide, or browse the full pet-safe plant library to check another plant before you buy it.