Is Japanese persimmon toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists japanese 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 or non-toxic plant database. The ripe fruit flesh is safe for human consumption. However, the seeds and bark of Diospyros species contain tannins and compounds reported to cause gastrointestinal upset in dogs. Out of caution, avoid allowing pets to consume seeds or large quantities of unripe fruit.

Diospyros kaki is not individually listed on the ASPCA toxic or non-toxic plant database. The ripe fruit flesh is safe for human consumption. However, the seeds and bark of Diospyros species contain tannins and compounds reported to cause gastrointestinal upset in dogs. Out of caution, avoid allowing pets to consume seeds or large quantities of unripe fruit. 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 japanese 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.

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Japanese persimmon is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full japanese persimmon 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.