Cats
Potentially toxicConsulted references classify the plant as toxic or irritating for that pet type.
Verified against ASPCA/provenance audit 2026-05-06 on May 6, 2026.
Sources
cat safety reference
Is Ohio Buckeye safe for cats?
Aesculus glabra
The Horse Chestnut is a deciduous tree known for its distinctive palmately compound leaves and spiky seed pods. All parts of the plant, particularly the seeds and leaves, contain saponins and glycosides that are harmful if ingested.
Aesculus glabraFetid BuckeyeOhio Buckeye
- Light
- Full sun to partial shade
- Habit
- Deciduous tree
- Care
- Low
Safety status
What this means for your cat
Ohio Buckeye is toxic to cats, with the cited sources flagging both severe gastrointestinal upset and — for cats specifically — oral burning, increased thirst, and possible kidney involvement. Cats rarely chew on the woody nuts in quantity, but any ingestion of leaves, flowers, or a buckeye nut warrants action.
What to watch for
Oral irritation, burning of the mouth and throat, increased thirst, vomiting, and diarrhea. With larger ingestions: depression or excitement, dilated pupils, weakness, unsteadiness, seizures, and signs consistent with kidney injury.
Time window
Exact onset is not given as specific numbers in the cited sources; clinical signs of saponin and aesculin poisoning usually develop within a few hours of ingestion.
When to call the vet
Call your vet or Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661) immediately if you saw your cat chew on leaves, flowers, or a buckeye nut, or if you see oral burning, repeated vomiting, weakness, or any neurologic sign.
Sources: ASPCA, Pet Poison Helpline (no first-aid guidance).
If a pet has chewed or swallowed plant material and is showing symptoms, contact a veterinarian or poison resource immediately. This product is for structured reference, not diagnosis.
Cats — concern notes
Common signs
Vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, drooling, and in severe cases, tremors or incoordination.
Escalation note
Ingestion can lead to significant gastrointestinal distress. Please contact your veterinarian or a pet poison control center immediately if you suspect your cat has consumed any part of this plant.
Safer alternatives
No hand-picked alternatives for this plant yet. You can still pick your own using the Compare button on any other plant.
Source evidence
ASPCA Toxic Plant List
toxicology · 99% reliability
Horse chestnut contains aesculin, which is toxic to cats and dogs.
NC State Extension Plant Toolbox
botanical · 94% reliability
Aesculus glabra is a native tree that is considered toxic to animals if ingested.
Questions about Ohio Buckeye
How quickly do symptoms appear if a cat eats Ohio Buckeye?
Clinical signs typically develop within a few hours of ingestion, though exact onset timing is not documented with specific numbers in available sources. Watch your cat closely for several hours after any suspected exposure.
Is Ohio Buckeye toxic to cats?
Yes, Ohio Buckeye (Aesculus glabra) is toxic to cats. All parts of the plant — including the seeds, leaves, and flowers — contain saponins and glycosides that can cause significant harm if ingested.
What symptoms will a cat show after eating a buckeye nut or leaf?
Symptoms include oral irritation, drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. With larger ingestions, cats may develop depression or agitation, dilated pupils, weakness, unsteadiness, or seizures — signs consistent with more serious saponin and aesculin poisoning.
What should I do if my cat ate part of an Ohio Buckeye?
Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 immediately — do not wait for symptoms to appear. Seek help right away if you saw your cat chew leaves, flowers, or a buckeye nut, or if you notice oral burning, repeated vomiting, weakness, or any neurological sign such as unsteadiness or seizures.
Same cat verdict
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