Pet safety
Is Worcester Pearmain Appletoxic to cats & dogs?
Malus domestica 'Worcester Pearmain'
Quick verdict — at a glance
- Toxic to cats?
- Yes — toxic
- Toxic to dogs?
- Yes — toxic
- ASPCA classification
- Toxic to pets · botanical name Malus domestica 'Worcester Pearmain'
Is worcester pearmain apple safe for cats and dogs?
No — worcester pearmain apple 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 species) as toxic to dogs, cats and horses. The fruit flesh is safe, but the stems, leaves and seeds contain cyanogenic glycosides that can liberate cyanide when wilting foliage or crushed pips are chewed, causing brick-red gums, dilated pupils, breathing difficulty, panting and shock. Keep prunings and dropped fruit from pets.
| Pet | Toxic? | Per ASPCA |
|---|---|---|
| Cats | Yes | Toxic to pets |
| Dogs | Yes | Toxic to pets |
What happens if a pet eats worcester pearmain apple?
The ASPCA lists Apple (Malus species) as toxic to dogs, cats and horses. The fruit flesh is safe, but the stems, leaves and seeds contain cyanogenic glycosides that can liberate cyanide when wilting foliage or crushed pips are chewed, causing brick-red gums, dilated pupils, breathing difficulty, panting and shock. Keep prunings and dropped fruit from 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 worcester pearmain apple, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What to do if your pet ate worcester pearmain apple
- Remove any plant material from your pet's mouth and move worcester pearmain apple 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 worcester pearmain apple 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 worcester pearmain apple
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)
Worcester Pearmain Apple and pets — frequently asked questions
Is worcester pearmain apple toxic to cats?
Worcester Pearmain Apple (Malus domestica 'Worcester Pearmain') is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. The ASPCA lists Apple (Malus species) as toxic to dogs, cats and horses. The fruit flesh is safe, but the stems, leaves and seeds contain cyanogenic glycosides that can liberate cyanide when wilting foliage or crushed pips are chewed, causing brick-red gums, dilated pupils, breathing difficulty, panting and shock. Keep prunings and dropped fruit from 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 worcester pearmain apple toxic to dogs?
Per the ASPCA, Worcester Pearmain Apple (Malus domestica 'Worcester Pearmain') is toxic to dogs. Dogs often chew more enthusiastically than cats, so a toxic plant like worcester pearmain apple is best removed from the floor and low shelves entirely.
What happens if my pet eats worcester pearmain apple?
The ASPCA lists Apple (Malus species) as toxic to dogs, cats and horses. The fruit flesh is safe, but the stems, leaves and seeds contain cyanogenic glycosides that can liberate cyanide when wilting foliage or crushed pips are chewed, causing brick-red gums, dilated pupils, breathing difficulty, panting and shock. Keep prunings and dropped fruit from 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 worcester pearmain apple, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What should I do if my cat or dog ate worcester pearmain apple?
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 worcester pearmain apple to the appointment helps the vet treat it correctly.
What are pet-safe alternatives to worcester pearmain apple?
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 worcester pearmain apple care
Pet-safety is one piece of the picture. For light, watering, soil, and troubleshooting, see the complete worcester pearmain apple care guide, or browse the full pet-safe plant library to check another plant before you buy it.