Is Rhubarb Toxic to Cats?
Also known as: Pie Plant, Rheum rhabarbarum · Rheum rhabarbarum
What makes it toxic
Soluble oxalic acid and oxalate salts, concentrated in the leaf blades. Soluble oxalates bind blood calcium and form crystals that injure kidney tissue — different from the merely irritating insoluble type.
Warning signs to watch for
Drooling, vomiting, diarrhea and loss of appetite within hours. Larger amounts of leaves can cause weakness, tremors, changed urination and kidney injury over the following days.
What to do if your cat eats it
Remove plant material, rinse the mouth and call your vet, stating that leaves were eaten if so. Any leaf meal deserves blood work follow-up; watch urination for the next few days.
Common questions
Are rhubarb stalks as dangerous as the leaves?
No — the stalks humans eat are low in oxalate and only mildly irritating. The leaves are the real hazard, so compost them where pets cannot dig.
How much rhubarb leaf would hurt a cat?
Cats rarely chew much of the bitter leaf, but even a modest meal can drop blood calcium and stress the kidneys. Call the vet for any confirmed leaf ingestion.
More plants checked for cats
This page is general educational information, not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. Every pet is different — if your animal ate something concerning, contact your veterinarian or a pet poison hotline right away. Checking what your pet can eat? Visit our sister site SafeOrToxic.