Can Cats Eat Rhubarb?
No — rhubarb is not safe for cats. Rhubarb contains soluble oxalates that can cause drooling, vomiting, tremors, low calcium, and potentially serious kidney injury.
Rhubarb is toxic to cats
Cats should not eat rhubarb. Authoritative veterinary sources list rhubarb as toxic to cats because it contains soluble calcium oxalates, which can cause salivation, gastrointestinal upset, tremors, hypocalcemia, and kidney damage.
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Go to the ER now
- ● Your cat ate rhubarb leaves or an unknown amount of the plant
- ● Tremors, twitching, seizures, collapse, or severe weakness
- ● Trouble breathing, severe lethargy, or inability to stand
- ● Very dark urine, blood in urine, or not urinating normally
- ● Repeated vomiting or signs of significant mouth pain with heavy drooling
See a vet within 24 hours
- ● Your cat chewed any part of the rhubarb plant and is drooling, vomiting, or having diarrhea
- ● Your cat seems painful, stops eating, or hides after exposure
- ● Increased thirst or increased urination within the next 1-3 days after exposure
- ● You are unsure whether your cat ate stalks, leaves, or another oxalate-containing plant
Watch at home, call if it worsens
- ● Your cat only sniffed the plant and did not bite or swallow it
- ● You found rhubarb nearby but have no evidence your cat chewed it
Why Rhubarb Is Dangerous for Cats
Rhubarb is not an appropriate food for cats, and there is no safe serving size to recommend. Veterinary toxicology sources report that rhubarb contains soluble oxalate salts that can be absorbed from the digestive tract, bind calcium in the body, and contribute to hypocalcemia and kidney injury. Cats may first show hypersalivation, vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite, followed by lethargy, tremors, or seizures in more serious cases. Compared with dogs, cats are generally less likely to eat large amounts of plant material, but because they are smaller and can become seriously ill after toxic exposures, any confirmed ingestion should be taken seriously and discussed with a veterinarian right away.
- Do not feed rhubarb to your cat in any form
- Keep cats away from garden rhubarb plants, especially leaves
- Do not induce vomiting unless a veterinarian specifically tells you to
- If your cat may have eaten rhubarb, call your vet promptly and monitor for drooling, vomiting, tremors, or changes in urination
- Bring a photo or sample of the plant for identification if it can be done safely
Common Questions
Is any part of rhubarb safe for cats?
What makes rhubarb toxic to cats?
Are rhubarb leaves more dangerous than stalks?
How is rhubarb toxicity in cats different from dogs?
What symptoms can rhubarb cause in cats?
Sources
- Toxic and Non-toxic Plants: Rhubarb — ASPCA
- Plants That are Toxic to Cats — VCA Animal Hospitals
- Houseplants and Ornamentals Toxic to Animals — Merck Veterinary Manual
- Common Cat Hazards — Cornell Feline Health Center
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute veterinary medical advice. Reading this content does not establish a veterinarian-client-patient relationship. Every pet is different — always consult a licensed veterinarian before making decisions about your pet's health, diet, or care. If you'd like personalized guidance, you can talk to one of our vets. If your pet is experiencing a medical emergency, contact your local emergency animal hospital immediately.
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