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Is Showy mountain ash toxic to cats?

Sorbus decora

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists showy mountain ash 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. Raw berries contain parasorbic acid, which can cause nausea, vomiting, and gastrointestinal irritation in pets and humans when consumed in significant quantities. Cooking or frost neutralises this compound. ASPCA does not specifically list Sorbus decora; treat raw fruit as mildly toxic to dogs and cats.

What to do if your cat ate showy mountain ash

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

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

Is showy mountain ash toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is showy mountain ash toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists showy mountain ash 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. Raw berries contain parasorbic acid, which can cause nausea, vomiting, and gastrointestinal irritation in pets and humans when consumed in significant quantities. Cooking or frost neutralises this compound. ASPCA does not specifically list Sorbus decora; treat raw fruit as mildly toxic to dogs and cats.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats showy mountain ash?

Raw berries contain parasorbic acid, which can cause nausea, vomiting, and gastrointestinal irritation in pets and humans when consumed in significant quantities. Cooking or frost neutralises this compound. ASPCA does not specifically list Sorbus decora; treat raw fruit as mildly toxic to dogs and cats. 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 showy mountain ash.

What should I do if my cat ate showy mountain ash?

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 showy mountain ash toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to showy mountain ash?

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 showy mountain ash pet-safety