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Is Chinese quince toxic to cats?

Chaenomeles cathayensis

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists chinese 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. Like all Chaenomeles, raw seeds contain cyanogenic glycosides and must not be consumed. The large, fragrant fruit pulp is edible when cooked (cooking destroys the glycosides). ASPCA does not individually list Chaenomeles cathayensis; advise caution with pets.

What to do if your cat ate chinese quince

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

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

Is chinese quince toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is chinese quince toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists chinese 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. Like all Chaenomeles, raw seeds contain cyanogenic glycosides and must not be consumed. The large, fragrant fruit pulp is edible when cooked (cooking destroys the glycosides). ASPCA does not individually list Chaenomeles cathayensis; advise caution with pets.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats chinese quince?

Like all Chaenomeles, raw seeds contain cyanogenic glycosides and must not be consumed. The large, fragrant fruit pulp is edible when cooked (cooking destroys the glycosides). ASPCA does not individually list Chaenomeles cathayensis; advise caution with pets. 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 quince.

What should I do if my cat ate chinese 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 quince toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to chinese 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 quince pet-safety