Pet safety
Is Flowering Quince 'Crimson and Gold'toxic to cats & dogs?
Chaenomeles × superba 'Crimson and Gold'
Quick verdict — at a glance
- Toxic to cats?
- Yes — mildly
- Toxic to dogs?
- Yes — mildly
- ASPCA classification
- Mildly toxic to pets · botanical name Chaenomeles × superba 'Crimson and Gold'
Is flowering quince 'crimson and gold' safe for cats and dogs?
Not entirely — flowering quince 'crimson and gold' is mildly toxic to cats and dogs. It rarely causes serious harm, but chewing it triggers real discomfort, so keep it out of a pet's reach. 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. Chaenomeles is not individually listed on the ASPCA toxic or non-toxic plant database, and sources conflict (some list it as cat-safe while others flag it as toxic to cats), so its status is unconfirmed by that authority; treat with caution and verify with a vet rather than assuming pet-safe. The fruits are very astringent raw and best cooked.
| Pet | Toxic? | Per ASPCA |
|---|---|---|
| Cats | Yes (mild) | Mildly toxic to pets |
| Dogs | Yes (mild) | Mildly toxic to pets |
What happens if a pet eats flowering quince 'crimson and gold'?
Chaenomeles is not individually listed on the ASPCA toxic or non-toxic plant database, and sources conflict (some list it as cat-safe while others flag it as toxic to cats), so its status is unconfirmed by that authority; treat with caution and verify with a vet rather than assuming pet-safe. The fruits are very astringent raw and best cooked. 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 flowering quince 'crimson and gold', treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What to do if your pet ate flowering quince 'crimson and gold'
- Remove any plant material from your pet's mouth and move flowering quince 'crimson and gold' 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 flowering quince 'crimson and gold' 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 flowering quince 'crimson and gold'
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:
- Hoya — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- Bromeliad — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- Christmas cactus — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- African violet — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
Flowering Quince 'Crimson and Gold' and pets — frequently asked questions
Is flowering quince 'crimson and gold' toxic to cats?
Flowering Quince 'Crimson and Gold' (Chaenomeles × superba 'Crimson and Gold') is mildly toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Chaenomeles is not individually listed on the ASPCA toxic or non-toxic plant database, and sources conflict (some list it as cat-safe while others flag it as toxic to cats), so its status is unconfirmed by that authority; treat with caution and verify with a vet rather than assuming pet-safe. The fruits are very astringent raw and best cooked. 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 flowering quince 'crimson and gold' toxic to dogs?
Per the ASPCA, Flowering Quince 'Crimson and Gold' (Chaenomeles × superba 'Crimson and Gold') is mildly toxic to dogs. Dogs often chew more enthusiastically than cats, so a toxic plant like flowering quince 'crimson and gold' is best removed from the floor and low shelves entirely.
What happens if my pet eats flowering quince 'crimson and gold'?
Chaenomeles is not individually listed on the ASPCA toxic or non-toxic plant database, and sources conflict (some list it as cat-safe while others flag it as toxic to cats), so its status is unconfirmed by that authority; treat with caution and verify with a vet rather than assuming pet-safe. The fruits are very astringent raw and best cooked. 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 flowering quince 'crimson and gold', treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What should I do if my cat or dog ate flowering quince 'crimson and gold'?
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 flowering quince 'crimson and gold' to the appointment helps the vet treat it correctly.
What are pet-safe alternatives to flowering quince 'crimson and gold'?
If you want a similar look without the risk, good non-toxic swaps include hoya, bromeliad, christmas cactus, african violet. 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 flowering quince 'crimson and gold' care
Pet-safety is one piece of the picture. For light, watering, soil, and troubleshooting, see the complete flowering quince 'crimson and gold' care guide, or browse the full pet-safe plant library to check another plant before you buy it.