Is Compost Toxic to Pets?
Yes — compost is toxic to cats. Yes — compost is toxic to dogs.
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.
- Toxic compound
- Tremorgenic mycotoxins
- Toxic parts
- Moldy food and garbage
- Also known as
- moldy food, garbage
Symptoms
Cats (toxic)
- Agitation
- Panting
- Vomiting
- Tremors
- Seizures
Dogs (toxic)
- Agitation
- Panting
- Vomiting
- Tremors
- Seizures
What to do
If your 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.
If your dog 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 dog 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. Common signs include agitation, panting, vomiting.
Is compost toxic to dogs?
Yes — compost is toxic to dogs. Common signs include agitation, panting, vomiting.
Which parts of compost are toxic?
Moldy food and garbage.
What makes compost toxic?
Tremorgenic mycotoxins.