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Is Quince 'Smyrna' toxic to cats?

Cydonia oblonga 'Smyrna'

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists quince 'smyrna' 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 by the ASPCA. The seeds (pips) of quince contain cyanogenic glycosides that release cyanide when chewed, as in related Rosaceae; the cooked flesh is a culinary fruit. Treat with caution, keep pets from gnawing seeds, foliage or bark, and verify with a vet if ingestion is suspected.

What to do if your cat ate quince 'smyrna'

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

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

Is quince 'smyrna' toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is quince 'smyrna' toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists quince 'smyrna' 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 by the ASPCA. The seeds (pips) of quince contain cyanogenic glycosides that release cyanide when chewed, as in related Rosaceae; the cooked flesh is a culinary fruit. Treat with caution, keep pets from gnawing seeds, foliage or bark, and verify with a vet if ingestion is suspected.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats quince 'smyrna'?

Cydonia oblonga is not individually listed by the ASPCA. The seeds (pips) of quince contain cyanogenic glycosides that release cyanide when chewed, as in related Rosaceae; the cooked flesh is a culinary fruit. Treat with caution, keep pets from gnawing seeds, foliage or bark, and verify with a vet if ingestion is suspected. 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 'smyrna'.

What should I do if my cat ate quince 'smyrna'?

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 'smyrna' toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to quince 'smyrna'?

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 'smyrna' pet-safety