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Pet safety

Is Himalayan Cotoneaster toxic to cats?

Cotoneaster simonsii

Toxic to cats

Yes — himalayan cotoneaster is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List. Cotoneaster simonsii berries and seeds contain cyanogenic glycosides, consistent with the Rosaceae family. The ASPCA lists Cotoneaster as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. Ingestion can cause vomiting, difficulty breathing, and in large quantities, more serious effects.

What to do if your cat ate himalayan cotoneaster

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

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

Is himalayan cotoneaster toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is himalayan cotoneaster toxic to cats?

Yes — himalayan cotoneaster is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Cotoneaster simonsii berries and seeds contain cyanogenic glycosides, consistent with the Rosaceae family. The ASPCA lists Cotoneaster as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. Ingestion can cause vomiting, difficulty breathing, and in large quantities, more serious effects.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats himalayan cotoneaster?

Cotoneaster simonsii berries and seeds contain cyanogenic glycosides, consistent with the Rosaceae family. The ASPCA lists Cotoneaster as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. Ingestion can cause vomiting, difficulty breathing, and in large quantities, more serious effects. 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 himalayan cotoneaster.

What should I do if my cat ate himalayan cotoneaster?

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 himalayan cotoneaster toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to himalayan cotoneaster?

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 himalayan cotoneaster pet-safety