Is Turkey Oak toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists turkey oak 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. Acorns and leaves of all Quercus species contain tannins (gallotannins) that are toxic to horses, cattle, sheep, and dogs in quantity, causing gastrointestinal upset and, with large repeated ingestion, kidney damage. ASPCA lists oak (Quercus spp.) as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. Acorns pose the greatest hazard; occasional minor exposure is rarely life-threatening for large animals but veterinary advice should be sought.

Acorns and leaves of all Quercus species contain tannins (gallotannins) that are toxic to horses, cattle, sheep, and dogs in quantity, causing gastrointestinal upset and, with large repeated ingestion, kidney damage. ASPCA lists oak (Quercus spp.) as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. Acorns pose the greatest hazard; occasional minor exposure is rarely life-threatening for large animals but veterinary advice should be sought. 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 turkey 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.

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

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.