Is Sweet Chestnut toxic to cats?

No — sweet chestnut is listed by the ASPCA as non-toxic to cats. It is a sensible choice for a home with a cat; a curious nibble will not poison them, though no plant is meant to be eaten. Castanea sativa is not listed as toxic by the ASPCA and produces edible nuts; treat as non-toxic to cats and dogs. It must not be confused with horse chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum), which is toxic. Standard caution applies: starchy nuts in quantity can upset a pet's stomach or pose a choking/obstruction hazard, and the spiny burs can injure mouths and paws.

Yes — the ASPCA lists sweet chestnut as non-toxic to cats and dogs. A cat that chews a large amount of any foliage can still get a mild, brief stomach upset, so discourage grazing, but it will not be poisoned.

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Sweet Chestnut is non-toxic to dogs as well. See the full sweet chestnut pet-safety guide for both species.

Reliable ASPCA non-toxic picks for a cat home include spider plant, calathea, parlor palm, peperomia, and most true ferns. Browse the best cats-safe plants list to check more before you buy.