What are the symptoms of Rhubarb poisoning in cats?

drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, tremors, abnormal urination

Rhubarb

Q: Can cats eat Rhubarb?

Toxic: Never — oxalic acid damages the kidneys. Rhubarb contains oxalic acid and soluble oxalates throughout the plant — the leaves contain the highest concentration but the stalks are also harmful. Oxalates bind calcium in the blood, causing hypocalcemia and can deposit as crystals in the kidneys, causing acute kidney failure. Cats are particularly vulnerable due to their smaller size. Source: ASPCA.

Toxic

Verdict

Never — oxalic acid damages the kidneys.

Toxic principle: oxalic acid

Source: ASPCA · Verified 2026-06-12

If your cat ate this

Cats hide symptoms — don't wait and see. Even small amounts of certain substances can be fatal to a cat. Act fast.

1. Call your veterinarian immediately
US — National hotline: ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888) 426-4435 aspca.org(24/7, Consultation fee may apply.)
US — National hotline: Pet Poison Helpline (855) 764-7661 petpoisonhelpline.com(24/7, $89 per incident fee; also covers Canada.)
GB — National hotline: Animal PoisonLine 01202 509 000 animalpoisonline.co.uk(24/7, £35 per call (8am–8pm weekdays), £45 at other times.)
AU — National hotline: Animal Poisons Helpline 1300 869 738 animalpoisons.com.au(24/7)
NZ — National hotline: Animal Poisons Helpline 0800 869 738 poisons.co.nz(11am–7pm NZ time (currently being extended), Charges apply.)
CA — National hotline: Pet Poison Helpline (855) 764-7661 petpoisonhelpline.com(24/7, $89 per incident fee.)

Verified 2026-08-06

Verdict

Rhubarb contains oxalic acid and soluble oxalates throughout the plant — the leaves contain the highest concentration but the stalks are also harmful. Oxalates bind calcium in the blood, causing hypocalcemia and can deposit as crystals in the kidneys, causing acute kidney failure. Cats are particularly vulnerable due to their smaller size.