Is Washington Hawthorn toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists washington hawthorn 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. Crataegus is not individually listed on the ASPCA toxic plant database, so a clear non-toxic claim cannot be made; treat with caution and verify with a vet. The fleshy haw pulp is widely eaten, but like other pome seeds the crushed seeds contain cyanogenic compounds, so discourage pets from chewing large amounts of fruit or seed.

Crataegus is not individually listed on the ASPCA toxic plant database, so a clear non-toxic claim cannot be made; treat with caution and verify with a vet. The fleshy haw pulp is widely eaten, but like other pome seeds the crushed seeds contain cyanogenic compounds, so discourage pets from chewing large amounts of fruit or seed. 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 washington hawthorn.

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: Washington Hawthorn is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full washington hawthorn 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.