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Pet safety

Is Rhubarb toxic to cats?

Rheum rhabarbarum

Toxic to cats

Yes — rhubarb is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List. ASPCA lists Rheum species as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. Leaves contain oxalic acid and anthraquinone glycosides causing tremors, vomiting, and kidney damage. Stalks are safe for people; never feed pets.

What to do if your cat ate rhubarb

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

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

Is rhubarb toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is rhubarb toxic to cats?

Yes — rhubarb is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. ASPCA lists Rheum species as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. Leaves contain oxalic acid and anthraquinone glycosides causing tremors, vomiting, and kidney damage. Stalks are safe for people; never feed pets.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats rhubarb?

ASPCA lists Rheum species as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. Leaves contain oxalic acid and anthraquinone glycosides causing tremors, vomiting, and kidney damage. Stalks are safe for people; never feed 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 rhubarb.

What should I do if my cat ate rhubarb?

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 rhubarb toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to rhubarb?

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 rhubarb pet-safety