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Is Sawtooth Oak toxic to cats?

Quercus acutissima

Toxic to cats

Yes — sawtooth oak 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. Oak (Quercus) is listed by the ASPCA as toxic to dogs, cats and horses. The toxic principle is tannic acid and gallotannins, concentrated in young leaves, buds and green acorns. Ingestion can cause vomiting, diarrhoea (sometimes bloody), abdominal pain and, with large quantities, kidney and liver injury. Fallen acorns also pose a choking and obstruction hazard.

What to do if your cat ate sawtooth oak

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

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

Is sawtooth oak toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is sawtooth oak toxic to cats?

Yes — sawtooth oak is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Oak (Quercus) is listed by the ASPCA as toxic to dogs, cats and horses. The toxic principle is tannic acid and gallotannins, concentrated in young leaves, buds and green acorns. Ingestion can cause vomiting, diarrhoea (sometimes bloody), abdominal pain and, with large quantities, kidney and liver injury. Fallen acorns also pose a choking and obstruction hazard.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats sawtooth oak?

Oak (Quercus) is listed by the ASPCA as toxic to dogs, cats and horses. The toxic principle is tannic acid and gallotannins, concentrated in young leaves, buds and green acorns. Ingestion can cause vomiting, diarrhoea (sometimes bloody), abdominal pain and, with large quantities, kidney and liver injury. Fallen acorns also pose a choking and obstruction hazard. 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 sawtooth oak.

What should I do if my cat ate sawtooth oak?

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 sawtooth oak toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to sawtooth oak?

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 sawtooth oak pet-safety