What to do if your pet ate it
Contact your vet or a poison line right away, report how much Rhubarb was eaten and your pet's weight, and keep any packaging or leftovers. Do not induce vomiting unless your vet tells you to.
Signs to watch for
- Vomiting and diarrhoea
- Lethargy and weakness
- Loss of appetite
- Severe: tremors, breathing trouble, collapse
If your pet shows vomiting, lethargy or any unusual behaviour after eating Rhubarb, go to the nearest emergency vet immediately.
Dogs and cats carry the same rating (Do not feed), so the notes below hold for either pet.
Other foods that are toxic or dangerous
The full A–Z food list groups every food by verdict for each species.
Why these cautions matter
A heavy salt load drives up thirst and urination, and in the worst cases leads to sodium ion poisoning, which is a genuine emergency.
Frequently asked questions
Can cats eat Rhubarb?
NO — do not feed. Leaves contain high levels of oxalates that can cause kidney failure; the stems are also risky in quantity. Keep rhubarb away from pets.
What if my cat already ate Rhubarb?
Call your vet or a poison line now with the amount of Rhubarb eaten and your cat's weight, and do not induce vomiting unless a vet tells you to. If Rhubarb was eaten and you then see vomiting, lethargy, tremors or breathing changes, go straight to the nearest emergency clinic.
Is there a safe amount of Rhubarb for cats?
There is no accepted safe dose of Rhubarb for cats; it is classed as toxic or dangerous, and reactions vary with the individual animal, so it is not something to feed at any amount.
How often can cats have Rhubarb?
Rhubarb is not something to feed at any interval; it stays off the menu entirely.
What are safer treats than Rhubarb for cats?
Pick from the safe list instead — Collard greens or Sweetcorn kernels carry none of the risk that Rhubarb does, and they work better as an everyday treat.