Pet safety
Is Sloetoxic to cats & dogs?
Prunus spinosa
Quick verdict — at a glance
- Toxic to cats?
- Yes — toxic
- Toxic to dogs?
- Yes — toxic
- ASPCA classification
- Toxic to pets · botanical name Prunus spinosa
Is sloe safe for cats and dogs?
No — sloe 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. Prunus spinosa belongs to the Prunus genus, which the ASPCA lists as toxic to dogs, cats and horses (under Cherry and Plum). The leaves, stems and seeds/kernels contain cyanogenic glycosides that release cyanide when chewed; signs include brick-red gums, dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, panting and shock. The flesh is used by people, but pits and foliage are dangerous to pets.
| Pet | Toxic? | Per ASPCA |
|---|---|---|
| Cats | Yes | Toxic to pets |
| Dogs | Yes | Toxic to pets |
What happens if a pet eats sloe?
Prunus spinosa belongs to the Prunus genus, which the ASPCA lists as toxic to dogs, cats and horses (under Cherry and Plum). The leaves, stems and seeds/kernels contain cyanogenic glycosides that release cyanide when chewed; signs include brick-red gums, dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, panting and shock. The flesh is used by people, but pits and foliage are dangerous to pets. 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 sloe, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What to do if your pet ate sloe
- Remove any plant material from your pet's mouth and move sloe 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 sloe 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 sloe
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)
Sloe and pets — frequently asked questions
Is sloe toxic to cats?
Sloe (Prunus spinosa) is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Prunus spinosa belongs to the Prunus genus, which the ASPCA lists as toxic to dogs, cats and horses (under Cherry and Plum). The leaves, stems and seeds/kernels contain cyanogenic glycosides that release cyanide when chewed; signs include brick-red gums, dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, panting and shock. The flesh is used by people, but pits and foliage are dangerous to pets. 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 sloe toxic to dogs?
Per the ASPCA, Sloe (Prunus spinosa) is toxic to dogs. Dogs often chew more enthusiastically than cats, so a toxic plant like sloe is best removed from the floor and low shelves entirely.
What happens if my pet eats sloe?
Prunus spinosa belongs to the Prunus genus, which the ASPCA lists as toxic to dogs, cats and horses (under Cherry and Plum). The leaves, stems and seeds/kernels contain cyanogenic glycosides that release cyanide when chewed; signs include brick-red gums, dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, panting and shock. The flesh is used by people, but pits and foliage are dangerous to pets. 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 sloe, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What should I do if my cat or dog ate sloe?
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 sloe to the appointment helps the vet treat it correctly.
What are pet-safe alternatives to sloe?
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 sloe care
Pet-safety is one piece of the picture. For light, watering, soil, and troubleshooting, see the complete sloe care guide, or browse the full pet-safe plant library to check another plant before you buy it.