Is Overcup Oak toxic to cats?

Yes — overcup oak is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Oak (Quercus) is listed by the ASPCA as toxic to dogs, cats and horses. The toxic principle is tannic acid and gallotannins found in young leaves, buds and acorns. Signs of ingestion include vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain and, in quantity, kidney and liver damage; livestock are most severely affected. Whole acorns also risk gastrointestinal obstruction.

Oak (Quercus) is listed by the ASPCA as toxic to dogs, cats and horses. The toxic principle is tannic acid and gallotannins found in young leaves, buds and acorns. Signs of ingestion include vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain and, in quantity, kidney and liver damage; livestock are most severely affected. Whole acorns also risk gastrointestinal obstruction. 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 overcup 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.

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Overcup Oak is toxic to dogs as well. See the full overcup oak 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.