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Is Chinese Flowering Quince toxic to cats?

Chaenomeles speciosa

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists chinese flowering quince 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. Chaenomeles speciosa is not individually listed on the ASPCA's toxic or non-toxic plant database, so its status is uncertain; treat with caution and verify with a vet. The ripe fruit pulp is edible to humans, but the seeds (like other pome fruits) contain cyanogenic compounds and should not be eaten by pets. Keep dropped fruit and prunings away from animals.

What to do if your cat ate chinese flowering quince

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

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

Is chinese flowering quince toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is chinese flowering quince toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists chinese flowering quince 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. Chaenomeles speciosa is not individually listed on the ASPCA's toxic or non-toxic plant database, so its status is uncertain; treat with caution and verify with a vet. The ripe fruit pulp is edible to humans, but the seeds (like other pome fruits) contain cyanogenic compounds and should not be eaten by pets. Keep dropped fruit and prunings away from animals.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats chinese flowering quince?

Chaenomeles speciosa is not individually listed on the ASPCA's toxic or non-toxic plant database, so its status is uncertain; treat with caution and verify with a vet. The ripe fruit pulp is edible to humans, but the seeds (like other pome fruits) contain cyanogenic compounds and should not be eaten by pets. Keep dropped fruit and prunings away from animals. 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 chinese flowering quince.

What should I do if my cat ate chinese flowering quince?

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 chinese flowering quince toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Chinese Flowering Quince is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full chinese flowering quince pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to chinese flowering quince?

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 chinese flowering quince pet-safety