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Is Chestnut Oak toxic to cats?

Quercus montana

Toxic to cats

Yes — chestnut oak 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. Oak (Quercus) is listed by the ASPCA as toxic to dogs, cats and horses. The toxic principle is tannins (gallotannic and tannic acid), concentrated in acorns, buds and young leaves. Ingestion causes vomiting, diarrhoea (possibly bloody), lethargy, abdominal pain and inappetence; substantial or repeated intake risks kidney and liver damage, and whole acorns can obstruct the digestive tract. Keep acorns and leaf litter away from pets and livestock even though the acorns are edible to people.

What to do if your cat ate chestnut oak

  1. Remove any plant material from your cat's mouth and move chestnut oak 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 chestnut oak to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.

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

Is chestnut oak toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is chestnut oak toxic to cats?

Yes — chestnut oak is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Oak (Quercus) is listed by the ASPCA as toxic to dogs, cats and horses. The toxic principle is tannins (gallotannic and tannic acid), concentrated in acorns, buds and young leaves. Ingestion causes vomiting, diarrhoea (possibly bloody), lethargy, abdominal pain and inappetence; substantial or repeated intake risks kidney and liver damage, and whole acorns can obstruct the digestive tract. Keep acorns and leaf litter away from pets and livestock even though the acorns are edible to people.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats chestnut oak?

Oak (Quercus) is listed by the ASPCA as toxic to dogs, cats and horses. The toxic principle is tannins (gallotannic and tannic acid), concentrated in acorns, buds and young leaves. Ingestion causes vomiting, diarrhoea (possibly bloody), lethargy, abdominal pain and inappetence; substantial or repeated intake risks kidney and liver damage, and whole acorns can obstruct the digestive tract. Keep acorns and leaf litter away from pets and livestock even though the acorns are edible to people. 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 chestnut oak.

What should I do if my cat ate chestnut oak?

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 chestnut oak toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Chestnut Oak is toxic to dogs as well. See the full chestnut oak pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to chestnut oak?

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 chestnut oak pet-safety