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Pet safety

Is Emory Oak toxic to cats?

Quercus emoryi

Toxic to cats

Yes — emory oak 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. ASPCA lists oak (Quercus species) as toxic to dogs, cats and horses due to tannins in acorns, buds and young leaves; signs include vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain and, at high intake, kidney or liver injury. Emory acorns are unusually sweet and low in tannin for human food, but pets should still be kept from fallen acorns and foliage.

What to do if your cat ate emory oak

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

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

Is emory oak toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is emory oak toxic to cats?

Yes — emory oak is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. ASPCA lists oak (Quercus species) as toxic to dogs, cats and horses due to tannins in acorns, buds and young leaves; signs include vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain and, at high intake, kidney or liver injury. Emory acorns are unusually sweet and low in tannin for human food, but pets should still be kept from fallen acorns and foliage.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats emory oak?

ASPCA lists oak (Quercus species) as toxic to dogs, cats and horses due to tannins in acorns, buds and young leaves; signs include vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain and, at high intake, kidney or liver injury. Emory acorns are unusually sweet and low in tannin for human food, but pets should still be kept from fallen acorns and foliage. 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 emory oak.

What should I do if my cat ate emory oak?

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 emory oak toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Emory Oak is toxic to dogs as well. See the full emory oak pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to emory oak?

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 emory oak pet-safety