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Is Aesculus hippocastanum toxic to cats?

Aesculus hippocastanum

Toxic to cats

Yes — aesculus hippocastanum is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List. ASPCA-listed as toxic to dogs, cats and horses (entered as 'Horse Chestnut'). All parts, especially the seeds (conkers), contain aesculin and other saponins; ingestion causes vomiting, diarrhoea, depression or excitement, dilated pupils, weakness and incoordination, with seizures and coma in severe cases. Conkers also pose a choking and obstruction hazard.

What to do if your cat ate aesculus hippocastanum

  1. Remove any plant material from your cat's mouth and move aesculus hippocastanum out of reach.
  2. Note how much was eaten and when, and watch for drooling, vomiting, or lethargy.
  3. Do not induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist instructs you to.
  4. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice.
  5. Bring a leaf or photo of aesculus hippocastanum to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.

General guidance, not veterinary advice. If you think your cat has eaten aesculus hippocastanum, contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 — do not wait for symptoms to worsen.

Is aesculus hippocastanum toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is aesculus hippocastanum toxic to cats?

Yes — aesculus hippocastanum is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. ASPCA-listed as toxic to dogs, cats and horses (entered as 'Horse Chestnut'). All parts, especially the seeds (conkers), contain aesculin and other saponins; ingestion causes vomiting, diarrhoea, depression or excitement, dilated pupils, weakness and incoordination, with seizures and coma in severe cases. Conkers also pose a choking and obstruction hazard.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats aesculus hippocastanum?

ASPCA-listed as toxic to dogs, cats and horses (entered as 'Horse Chestnut'). All parts, especially the seeds (conkers), contain aesculin and other saponins; ingestion causes vomiting, diarrhoea, depression or excitement, dilated pupils, weakness and incoordination, with seizures and coma in severe cases. Conkers also pose a choking and obstruction hazard. Signs usually appear soon after chewing rather than hours later — watch for drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy after your cat has had access to aesculus hippocastanum.

What should I do if my cat ate aesculus hippocastanum?

Stay calm. Remove any plant from your cat's mouth and take the plant away. Note how much was eaten and when, and do not induce vomiting unless told to. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice; a leaf or photo helps the vet treat it correctly.

Is aesculus hippocastanum toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Aesculus hippocastanum is toxic to dogs as well. See the full aesculus hippocastanum pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to aesculus hippocastanum?

For a similar look without the risk, see the best cats-safe plants list — every plant there is ASPCA non-toxic to cats and dogs.

Full aesculus hippocastanum pet-safety