Is Compost Toxic to Cats?
Yes — compost is toxic to cats.
PawSafe Check is for general information only and is not veterinary advice. Always contact your veterinarian or a poison control service if you think your pet has been exposed.
Symptoms to watch for
- Agitation
- Panting
- Vomiting
- Tremors
- Seizures
Toxic parts
Moldy food and garbage
Toxic compound
Tremorgenic mycotoxins
What to do now
- Call your vet or a pet poison control line immediately — don't wait for symptoms.
- Do not induce vomiting unless a vet tells you to.
- Bring the plant, label or packaging with you so the vet knows exactly what your cat ate.
- Note roughly how much was eaten and when.
Good to know
Moldy food in compost piles can produce tremorgenic mycotoxins that cause tremors and seizures within hours. Fence or lid your compost.
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Frequently asked questions
Is compost toxic to cats?
Yes — compost is toxic to cats. Moldy food in compost piles can produce tremorgenic mycotoxins that cause tremors and seizures within hours. Fence or lid your compost.
What are the symptoms of compost poisoning in cats?
Agitation. Panting. Vomiting. Tremors. Seizures.
What should I do if my cat ate compost?
Call your vet or a pet poison control line immediately — don't wait for symptoms. Do not induce vomiting unless a vet tells you to. Bring the plant, label or packaging with you so the vet knows exactly what your cat ate. Note roughly how much was eaten and when.
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