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Is Sargent's quince toxic to cats?

Chaenomeles japonica 'Sargentii'

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists sargent's 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. Seeds of Chaenomeles japonica contain cyanogenic glycosides (amygdalin), consistent with the Rosaceae family. Cooked fruit is edible and used in preserves. ASPCA does not list this species or cultivar individually; the seed content warrants a mildly-toxic designation, and seed ingestion by pets should be discouraged.

What to do if your cat ate sargent's quince

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

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

Is sargent's quince toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is sargent's quince toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists sargent's 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. Seeds of Chaenomeles japonica contain cyanogenic glycosides (amygdalin), consistent with the Rosaceae family. Cooked fruit is edible and used in preserves. ASPCA does not list this species or cultivar individually; the seed content warrants a mildly-toxic designation, and seed ingestion by pets should be discouraged.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats sargent's quince?

Seeds of Chaenomeles japonica contain cyanogenic glycosides (amygdalin), consistent with the Rosaceae family. Cooked fruit is edible and used in preserves. ASPCA does not list this species or cultivar individually; the seed content warrants a mildly-toxic designation, and seed ingestion by pets should be discouraged. 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 sargent's quince.

What should I do if my cat ate sargent's 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 sargent's quince toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to sargent's 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 sargent's quince pet-safety