Pet safety
Is Flowering Quince 'Texas Scarlet'toxic to cats & dogs?
Chaenomeles speciosa 'Texas Scarlet'
Quick verdict — at a glance
- Toxic to cats?
- Yes — mildly
- Toxic to dogs?
- Yes — mildly
- ASPCA classification
- Mildly toxic to pets · botanical name Chaenomeles speciosa 'Texas Scarlet'
Is flowering quince 'texas scarlet' safe for cats and dogs?
Use caution. Flowering Quince 'Texas Scarlet' 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. Chaenomeles is not individually listed by the ASPCA as toxic or non-toxic, so treat with caution and verify with a vet. The flesh of the fruit is edible when cooked, but as with related rosaceous plants the seeds contain cyanogenic compounds; assume the seeds are unsafe for pets.
| 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 'texas scarlet'?
Chaenomeles is not individually listed by the ASPCA as toxic or non-toxic, so treat with caution and verify with a vet. The flesh of the fruit is edible when cooked, but as with related rosaceous plants the seeds contain cyanogenic compounds; assume the seeds are unsafe for 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 flowering quince 'texas scarlet', treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What to do if your pet ate flowering quince 'texas scarlet'
- Remove any plant material from your pet's mouth and move flowering quince 'texas scarlet' 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 'texas scarlet' 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 'texas scarlet'
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 'Texas Scarlet' and pets — frequently asked questions
Is flowering quince 'texas scarlet' toxic to cats?
Flowering Quince 'Texas Scarlet' (Chaenomeles speciosa 'Texas Scarlet') is mildly toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Chaenomeles is not individually listed by the ASPCA as toxic or non-toxic, so treat with caution and verify with a vet. The flesh of the fruit is edible when cooked, but as with related rosaceous plants the seeds contain cyanogenic compounds; assume the seeds are unsafe for 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 flowering quince 'texas scarlet' toxic to dogs?
Per the ASPCA, Flowering Quince 'Texas Scarlet' (Chaenomeles speciosa 'Texas Scarlet') is mildly toxic to dogs. Dogs often chew more enthusiastically than cats, so a toxic plant like flowering quince 'texas scarlet' is best removed from the floor and low shelves entirely.
What happens if my pet eats flowering quince 'texas scarlet'?
Chaenomeles is not individually listed by the ASPCA as toxic or non-toxic, so treat with caution and verify with a vet. The flesh of the fruit is edible when cooked, but as with related rosaceous plants the seeds contain cyanogenic compounds; assume the seeds are unsafe for 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 flowering quince 'texas scarlet', treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What should I do if my cat or dog ate flowering quince 'texas scarlet'?
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 'texas scarlet' to the appointment helps the vet treat it correctly.
What are pet-safe alternatives to flowering quince 'texas scarlet'?
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 'texas scarlet' care
Pet-safety is one piece of the picture. For light, watering, soil, and troubleshooting, see the complete flowering quince 'texas scarlet' care guide, or browse the full pet-safe plant library to check another plant before you buy it.