Pet safety
Is Loquattoxic to cats & dogs?
Eriobotrya japonica
Quick verdict — at a glance
- Toxic to cats?
- Yes — mildly
- Toxic to dogs?
- Yes — mildly
- ASPCA classification
- Mildly toxic to pets · botanical name Eriobotrya japonica
Is loquat safe for cats and dogs?
Use caution. Loquat is on the mildly-toxic side of the ASPCA list. Most ingestions are short-lived but unpleasant for the pet; the cost-free fix is a placement they can't 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. Eriobotrya japonica is not clearly listed on the ASPCA Toxic/Non-Toxic Plants database, so treat its status as uncertain and verify with a vet. Importantly, the seeds, leaves and stems contain cyanogenic glycosides (amygdalin) that release cyanide when chewed; the ripe flesh is generally regarded as safe, but pets should be kept from the seeds and foliage.
| Pet | Toxic? | Per ASPCA |
|---|---|---|
| Cats | Yes (mild) | Mildly toxic to pets |
| Dogs | Yes (mild) | Mildly toxic to pets |
What happens if a pet eats loquat?
Eriobotrya japonica is not clearly listed on the ASPCA Toxic/Non-Toxic Plants database, so treat its status as uncertain and verify with a vet. Importantly, the seeds, leaves and stems contain cyanogenic glycosides (amygdalin) that release cyanide when chewed; the ripe flesh is generally regarded as safe, but pets should be kept from the seeds and foliage. 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 loquat, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What to do if your pet ate loquat
- Remove any plant material from your pet's mouth and move loquat 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 loquat 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 loquat
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:
- Prayer plant — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- Calathea — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- Parlor palm — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- Areca palm — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
Loquat and pets — frequently asked questions
Is loquat toxic to cats?
Loquat (Eriobotrya japonica) is mildly toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Eriobotrya japonica is not clearly listed on the ASPCA Toxic/Non-Toxic Plants database, so treat its status as uncertain and verify with a vet. Importantly, the seeds, leaves and stems contain cyanogenic glycosides (amygdalin) that release cyanide when chewed; the ripe flesh is generally regarded as safe, but pets should be kept from the seeds and foliage. 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 loquat toxic to dogs?
Per the ASPCA, Loquat (Eriobotrya japonica) is mildly toxic to dogs. Dogs often chew more enthusiastically than cats, so a toxic plant like loquat is best removed from the floor and low shelves entirely.
What happens if my pet eats loquat?
Eriobotrya japonica is not clearly listed on the ASPCA Toxic/Non-Toxic Plants database, so treat its status as uncertain and verify with a vet. Importantly, the seeds, leaves and stems contain cyanogenic glycosides (amygdalin) that release cyanide when chewed; the ripe flesh is generally regarded as safe, but pets should be kept from the seeds and foliage. 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 loquat, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What should I do if my cat or dog ate loquat?
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 loquat to the appointment helps the vet treat it correctly.
What are pet-safe alternatives to loquat?
If you want a similar look without the risk, good non-toxic swaps include prayer plant, calathea, parlor palm, areca palm. 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 loquat care
Pet-safety is one piece of the picture. For light, watering, soil, and troubleshooting, see the complete loquat care guide, or browse the full pet-safe plant library to check another plant before you buy it.