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Is Chocolate Persimmon toxic to cats?

Diospyros kaki 'Chocolate'

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists chocolate persimmon 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. Diospyros kaki is not individually listed on the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants database, so its status is uncertain — treat with caution and verify with a vet. The ripe flesh is generally regarded as non-toxic, but the seeds (more numerous in this pollination-variant cultivar), stems and unripe astringent fruit can cause gastrointestinal upset or obstruction, and the high sugar may upset pets. Do not assume pet-safe.

What to do if your cat ate chocolate persimmon

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

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

Is chocolate persimmon toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is chocolate persimmon toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists chocolate persimmon 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. Diospyros kaki is not individually listed on the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants database, so its status is uncertain — treat with caution and verify with a vet. The ripe flesh is generally regarded as non-toxic, but the seeds (more numerous in this pollination-variant cultivar), stems and unripe astringent fruit can cause gastrointestinal upset or obstruction, and the high sugar may upset pets. Do not assume pet-safe.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats chocolate persimmon?

Diospyros kaki is not individually listed on the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants database, so its status is uncertain — treat with caution and verify with a vet. The ripe flesh is generally regarded as non-toxic, but the seeds (more numerous in this pollination-variant cultivar), stems and unripe astringent fruit can cause gastrointestinal upset or obstruction, and the high sugar may upset pets. Do not assume pet-safe. 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 chocolate persimmon.

What should I do if my cat ate chocolate persimmon?

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 chocolate persimmon toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Chocolate Persimmon is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full chocolate persimmon pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to chocolate persimmon?

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 chocolate persimmon pet-safety