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Pet safety

Is Wild Service Tree toxic to cats?

Sorbus torminalis

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists wild service tree 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. Sorbus torminalis is not individually listed on the ASPCA toxic/non-toxic database, so treat with caution and verify with a vet. In line with other Sorbus, raw fruit contains parasorbic acid (a GI irritant until bletted) and the seeds contain cyanogenic glycosides, so foliage and unbletted fruit are best kept away from pets.

What to do if your cat ate wild service tree

  1. Remove any plant material from your cat's mouth and move wild service tree 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 wild service tree to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.

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

Is wild service tree toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is wild service tree toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists wild service tree 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. Sorbus torminalis is not individually listed on the ASPCA toxic/non-toxic database, so treat with caution and verify with a vet. In line with other Sorbus, raw fruit contains parasorbic acid (a GI irritant until bletted) and the seeds contain cyanogenic glycosides, so foliage and unbletted fruit are best kept away from pets.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats wild service tree?

Sorbus torminalis is not individually listed on the ASPCA toxic/non-toxic database, so treat with caution and verify with a vet. In line with other Sorbus, raw fruit contains parasorbic acid (a GI irritant until bletted) and the seeds contain cyanogenic glycosides, so foliage and unbletted fruit are best kept away from pets. 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 wild service tree.

What should I do if my cat ate wild service tree?

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 wild service tree toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Wild Service Tree is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full wild service tree pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to wild service tree?

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 wild service tree pet-safety