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Is Swamp White Oak toxic to cats?

Quercus bicolor

Toxic to cats

Yes — swamp white 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. Tannins (gallotannic and tannic acid) are the toxic principle, concentrated in acorns, buds and young leaves. Ingestion typically causes vomiting, diarrhoea (possibly bloody), lethargy, abdominal pain and inappetence; significant or repeated intake can damage the kidneys and liver, and whole acorns may cause obstruction. Keep acorns and fallen leaves away from pets and livestock.

What to do if your cat ate swamp white oak

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

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

Is swamp white oak toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is swamp white oak toxic to cats?

Yes — swamp white 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. Tannins (gallotannic and tannic acid) are the toxic principle, concentrated in acorns, buds and young leaves. Ingestion typically causes vomiting, diarrhoea (possibly bloody), lethargy, abdominal pain and inappetence; significant or repeated intake can damage the kidneys and liver, and whole acorns may cause obstruction. Keep acorns and fallen leaves away from pets and livestock.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats swamp white oak?

Oak (Quercus) is listed by the ASPCA as toxic to dogs, cats and horses. Tannins (gallotannic and tannic acid) are the toxic principle, concentrated in acorns, buds and young leaves. Ingestion typically causes vomiting, diarrhoea (possibly bloody), lethargy, abdominal pain and inappetence; significant or repeated intake can damage the kidneys and liver, and whole acorns may cause obstruction. Keep acorns and fallen leaves away from pets and livestock. 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 swamp white oak.

What should I do if my cat ate swamp white 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 swamp white oak toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to swamp white 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 swamp white oak pet-safety