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Pet safety

Is Cotoneaster Bonsai toxic to cats?

Cotoneaster horizontalis

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists cotoneaster bonsai 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. The ASPCA recognises Cotoneaster as a toxic plant; the leaves, flowers and berries contain cyanogenic glycosides. Serious cyanide poisoning is uncommon in dogs and cats because a large amount must be eaten, but ingestion can cause vomiting, diarrhoea and GI upset. Keep berries away from pets and contact a vet if a significant quantity is eaten.

What to do if your cat ate cotoneaster bonsai

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

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

Is cotoneaster bonsai toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is cotoneaster bonsai toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists cotoneaster bonsai 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. The ASPCA recognises Cotoneaster as a toxic plant; the leaves, flowers and berries contain cyanogenic glycosides. Serious cyanide poisoning is uncommon in dogs and cats because a large amount must be eaten, but ingestion can cause vomiting, diarrhoea and GI upset. Keep berries away from pets and contact a vet if a significant quantity is eaten.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats cotoneaster bonsai?

The ASPCA recognises Cotoneaster as a toxic plant; the leaves, flowers and berries contain cyanogenic glycosides. Serious cyanide poisoning is uncommon in dogs and cats because a large amount must be eaten, but ingestion can cause vomiting, diarrhoea and GI upset. Keep berries away from pets and contact a vet if a significant quantity is eaten. 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 cotoneaster bonsai.

What should I do if my cat ate cotoneaster bonsai?

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 cotoneaster bonsai toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Cotoneaster Bonsai is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full cotoneaster bonsai pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to cotoneaster bonsai?

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 cotoneaster bonsai pet-safety