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Pet safety

Is Medlar toxic to cats?

Mespilus germanica

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists medlar 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. Medlar (Mespilus germanica) is not individually listed on the ASPCA Toxic/Non-Toxic Plants database, so its pet status is not formally classified; treat with caution and verify with a vet. As a member of the Rosaceae, its seeds contain cyanogenic compounds (amygdalin) typical of the family, so seeds and large quantities of plant material are best kept from pets. Do not assume pet-safe.

What to do if your cat ate medlar

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

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

Is medlar toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is medlar toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists medlar 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. Medlar (Mespilus germanica) is not individually listed on the ASPCA Toxic/Non-Toxic Plants database, so its pet status is not formally classified; treat with caution and verify with a vet. As a member of the Rosaceae, its seeds contain cyanogenic compounds (amygdalin) typical of the family, so seeds and large quantities of plant material are best kept from pets. Do not assume pet-safe.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats medlar?

Medlar (Mespilus germanica) is not individually listed on the ASPCA Toxic/Non-Toxic Plants database, so its pet status is not formally classified; treat with caution and verify with a vet. As a member of the Rosaceae, its seeds contain cyanogenic compounds (amygdalin) typical of the family, so seeds and large quantities of plant material are best kept from pets. Do not assume pet-safe. 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 medlar.

What should I do if my cat ate medlar?

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 medlar toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to medlar?

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 medlar pet-safety