Pet safety
Is Bosc pear toxic to cats?
Pyrus communis 'Bosc'
Mildly. The ASPCA lists bosc pear as mildly toxic to cats — a chewing cat typically gets mouth irritation, drooling, and vomiting rather than a medical emergency, but it is still best kept out of reach. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List. Seeds of Pyrus communis 'Bosc' contain amygdalin (cyanogenic glycoside). While Pyrus is not individually listed by ASPCA, cyanogenic Rosaceae seeds are considered toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. Ripe fruit flesh is safe for human consumption. Ensure pets cannot access seeds, leaves, or bark.
What to do if your cat ate bosc pear
- Remove any plant material from your cat's mouth and move bosc pear 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 in the US, or Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509 000 in the UK and follow their advice.
- Bring a leaf or photo of bosc pear to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.
General guidance, not veterinary advice. If you think your cat has eaten bosc pear, contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 in the US, or Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509 000 in the UK — do not wait for symptoms to worsen.
Is bosc pear toxic to cats? — FAQ
Is bosc pear toxic to cats?
Mildly. The ASPCA lists bosc pear as mildly toxic to cats — a chewing cat typically gets mouth irritation, drooling, and vomiting rather than a medical emergency, but it is still best kept out of reach. Seeds of Pyrus communis 'Bosc' contain amygdalin (cyanogenic glycoside). While Pyrus is not individually listed by ASPCA, cyanogenic Rosaceae seeds are considered toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. Ripe fruit flesh is safe for human consumption. Ensure pets cannot access seeds, leaves, or bark.
What are the symptoms if a cat eats bosc pear?
Seeds of Pyrus communis 'Bosc' contain amygdalin (cyanogenic glycoside). While Pyrus is not individually listed by ASPCA, cyanogenic Rosaceae seeds are considered toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. Ripe fruit flesh is safe for human consumption. Ensure pets cannot access seeds, leaves, or bark. 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 bosc pear.
What should I do if my cat ate bosc pear?
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 in the US, or Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509 000 in the UK and follow their advice; a leaf or photo helps the vet treat it correctly.
Is bosc pear toxic to dogs too?
The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Bosc pear is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full bosc pear pet-safety guide for both species.
What is a cat-safe alternative to bosc pear?
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.
Type any plant to see what the ASPCA says about it and your cat.
Full bosc pear pet-safety
- Is european pear toxic to cats? — the species this cultivar belongs to, checked separately
- Is bosc pear toxic to cats? — our other guide for the same plant
- Is bosc pear toxic to cats and dogs? — the full guide for both pets
- Is bosc pear toxic to dogs?
- My cat ate bosc pear — emergency steps
- Best cats-safe plants — the full ASPCA non-toxic list
- Complete bosc pear care guide
- Best plant app for pet owners — which apps actually flag ASPCA toxicity before you buy the plant
Writing about plant safety? Embed our free pet-toxicity checker on your site — ASPCA-grounded verdicts for 11,000+ plants, no sign-up.