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Pet safety

Is Rowan toxic to cats?

Sorbus aucuparia

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists rowan 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. Sorbus aucuparia is not individually listed on the ASPCA toxic/non-toxic database, so treat with caution and verify with a vet. Raw berries contain parasorbic acid (a GI irritant causing vomiting and cramps until neutralised by cooking or freezing), and the seeds contain cyanogenic glycosides. Foliage and raw fruit are best kept away from pets.

What to do if your cat ate rowan

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

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

Is rowan toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is rowan toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists rowan 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. Sorbus aucuparia is not individually listed on the ASPCA toxic/non-toxic database, so treat with caution and verify with a vet. Raw berries contain parasorbic acid (a GI irritant causing vomiting and cramps until neutralised by cooking or freezing), and the seeds contain cyanogenic glycosides. Foliage and raw fruit are best kept away from pets.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats rowan?

Sorbus aucuparia is not individually listed on the ASPCA toxic/non-toxic database, so treat with caution and verify with a vet. Raw berries contain parasorbic acid (a GI irritant causing vomiting and cramps until neutralised by cooking or freezing), and the seeds contain cyanogenic glycosides. Foliage and raw fruit are best kept away from 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 rowan.

What should I do if my cat ate rowan?

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 rowan toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to rowan?

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 rowan pet-safety