What are the symptoms if a cat eats Rhubarb?

Drooling, inappetence (loss of appetite), vomiting, and diarrhea, Lethargy, extreme weakness, ataxia (loss of coordination), tremors, and seizures, Bloody urine, changes in thirst and urination (polyuria/polydipsia), oliguria (abnormally low urine production), anuria

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✕ Toxic

Rhubarb

Q: Is Rhubarb toxic to cats?

Warning: Toxic. Rhubarb (Rheum rhabarbarum) is dangerous for cats. While people often eat the stalks in pies or jams, the entire plant is toxic to cats. The leaves are the most poisonous part because they contain the highest level of harmful compounds called soluble oxalates. When a cat eats rhubarb, these oxalates are absorbed into the blood and quickly grab onto the body’s calcium. This causes a sudden drop in blood calcium, which can lead to tremors or seizures. These compounds also form tiny crystals that can get stuck in the kidneys and cause serious damage. Symptoms often start with drooling, vomiting, or diarrhea. As the poisoning gets worse, a cat might become very weak, lose coordination, or show signs of kidney trouble like drinking more water than usual. If you suspect your cat ate any part of a rhubarb plant, please contact a veterinarian immediately.

Rheum rhabarbarum

Rhubarb (Rheum rhabarbarum) is dangerous for cats. While people often eat the stalks in pies or jams, the entire plant is toxic to cats. The leaves are the most poisonous part because they contain the highest level of harmful compounds called soluble oxalates. When a cat eats rhubarb, these oxalates are absorbed into the blood and quickly grab onto the body’s calcium. This causes a sudden drop in blood calcium, which can lead to tremors or seizures. These compounds also form tiny crystals that can get stuck in the kidneys and cause serious damage. Symptoms often start with drooling, vomiting, or diarrhea. As the poisoning gets worse, a cat might become very weak, lose coordination, or show signs of kidney trouble like drinking more water than usual. If you suspect your cat ate any part of a rhubarb plant, please contact a veterinarian immediately.

Important Notes

Toxic compounds: oxalic acid and soluble oxalate salts; leaves contain the highest concentration; stalks contain moderate amounts

Mechanism: soluble oxalates bind calcium in the bloodstream, causing hypocalcaemia; calcium oxalate crystals precipitate in kidney tubules causing renal damage

Symptoms: drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, muscle tremors (from hypocalcaemia); kidney damage may cause increased thirst and urination

Leaves are the most dangerous part; even small amounts can cause serious symptoms in cats

Contact your vet if your cat ingests any part of the rhubarb plant

Potentially Toxic Parts

Stem

Leaf

Possible Symptoms Reported in Cats

Bloody urine, changes in thirst and urination (polyuria/polydipsia), oliguria (abnormally low urine production), anuria

Renal · Delayed; develops secondary to the absorption of the toxin and subsequent crystal formation

Drooling, inappetence (loss of appetite), vomiting, and diarrhea

Gastrointestinal · Initial signs typically appear shortly after ingestion

Lethargy, extreme weakness, ataxia (loss of coordination), tremors, and seizures

Gastrointestinal · Develops progressively as the toxins are absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract into the bloodstre

Disclaimer: This summary was compiled from multiple sources and is for informational use only. It is not a diagnosis or treatment plan. Toxicity can vary based on the substance, amount, plant part, and individual cat. If you think your cat may have been exposed to a toxic substance, contact a veterinarian right away.