Cats
Generally safeConsulted references do not classify the plant as toxic for that pet type, while still allowing for mild GI upset if large amounts are chewed.
Verified against ASPCA/provenance audit 2026-05-06 on May 6, 2026.
Sources
cat safety reference
Is Hawthorn safe for cats?
Crataegus species
Hawthorn is a genus of shrubs and trees in the rose family, widely recognized for their clusters of small, berry-like fruits known as haws. While generally considered safe for pets, the fibrous nature of the plant material can occasionally cause mild digestive discomfort if consumed in large quantities.
CrataegusCrataegus speciesHawsThornapple
- Light
- Full sun
- Habit
- Tree or shrub
- Care
- Moderate
Safety status
What this means for your cat
Cats are safe around Hawthorn — the ASPCA lists Crataegus species as non-toxic to cats. An outdoor cat passing under a Hawthorn faces a thorn-injury risk before any toxicity risk; the leaves, flowers, and berries themselves carry no listed toxic principle.
Sources: ASPCA (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
None expected; however, ingestion of large amounts of fibrous plant material may lead to mild vomiting or diarrhea.
Escalation note
This plant is considered non-toxic. If your cat consumes a significant amount and shows signs of distress, contact your veterinarian.
Bring it home
Hawthornis generally pet-safe in ordinary household exposure. If you’d like one for your space, here’s a starting point.
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Source evidence
ASPCA Toxic Plant List
toxicology · 99% reliability
Hawthorn is listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs.
Plants of the World Online - Crataegus
botanical · 95% reliability
Taxonomic record for the genus Crataegus L.
Questions about Hawthorn
Is hawthorn toxic to cats?
Hawthorn (Crataegus species) is considered non-toxic to cats. It is classified as generally safe, meaning no toxic principles are known that would cause poisoning — though non-toxic does not mean harmless if eaten in large amounts.
What happens if my cat eats hawthorn berries or leaves?
Large ingestions of hawthorn plant material — including the fibrous leaves, stems, or haws — may cause mild vomiting or diarrhea due to the fiber load, not toxicity. Small nibbles are unlikely to cause any reaction at all.
How much hawthorn would make a cat sick?
There is no documented toxic dose for hawthorn in cats because the plant is non-toxic. GI upset, if it occurs, is a mechanical effect of eating a large quantity of fibrous plant material, not a poisoning — similar to a cat eating too much grass.
What should I do if my cat ate a hawthorn plant?
Monitor your cat for mild GI signs like vomiting or loose stools, which can follow ingestion of large amounts of fibrous plant material. If your cat seems distressed, lethargic, or symptoms persist, contact your veterinarian — hawthorn is non-toxic, so serious illness is not expected.
Same cat verdict
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