Is Cotoneaster microphyllus toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists cotoneaster microphyllus 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. Significant cyanide poisoning is rare in dogs and cats since a large quantity must be eaten, but ingestion can cause vomiting, diarrhoea and GI upset. Keep berries out of pets' reach and consult a vet after a sizeable ingestion.

The ASPCA recognises Cotoneaster as a toxic plant; the leaves, flowers and berries contain cyanogenic glycosides. Significant cyanide poisoning is rare in dogs and cats since a large quantity must be eaten, but ingestion can cause vomiting, diarrhoea and GI upset. Keep berries out of pets' reach and consult a vet after a sizeable ingestion. 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 microphyllus.

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.

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

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.