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Pet safety

Is Quince toxic to cats?

Cydonia oblonga

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists quince 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. Cydonia oblonga is not individually listed in the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants database, so its pet status is not authoritatively classified. As a member of the rose family (Maloideae), the seeds and leaves contain trace cyanogenic compounds (amygdalin) that can release small amounts of cyanide if chewed in quantity. Treat with caution and verify with a vet before assuming it is safe around pets.

What to do if your cat ate quince

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

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

Is quince toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is quince toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists quince 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. Cydonia oblonga is not individually listed in the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants database, so its pet status is not authoritatively classified. As a member of the rose family (Maloideae), the seeds and leaves contain trace cyanogenic compounds (amygdalin) that can release small amounts of cyanide if chewed in quantity. Treat with caution and verify with a vet before assuming it is safe around pets.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats quince?

Cydonia oblonga is not individually listed in the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants database, so its pet status is not authoritatively classified. As a member of the rose family (Maloideae), the seeds and leaves contain trace cyanogenic compounds (amygdalin) that can release small amounts of cyanide if chewed in quantity. Treat with caution and verify with a vet before assuming it is safe around pets. 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 quince.

What should I do if my cat ate quince?

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 quince toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to quince?

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 quince pet-safety