Pet emergency
My cat ate Canada Mayflower — what to do
Step by step
- Take canada mayflower away and remove any plant material from your cat's mouth so they cannot eat more.
- Note roughly how much was eaten and when — this helps the vet judge the risk.
- Do NOT induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist tells you to.
- Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 (a consultation fee may apply) and follow their advice.
- Watch for drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or lethargy, and bring a leaf or photo to the appointment.
This is general guidance, not veterinary advice. Pets vary, and a reaction may be to soil, fertiliser, or pesticide as well as the plant. When in doubt, call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435.
My cat ate canada mayflower — FAQ
Is canada mayflower poisonous to cats?
Yes — the ASPCA lists Canada Mayflower (Maianthemum canadense) as mildly toxic to cats. The red berries contain saponins and may cause mild gastrointestinal upset if ingested in quantity by humans or pets. Maianthemum canadense is not individually listed by ASPCA as toxic or non-toxic. Given the genus's saponin content and the lack of an explicit non-toxic listing, treat as mildly toxic and prevent ingestion by children and pets.
How serious is it if my cat ate canada mayflower?
Canada Mayflower is mildly toxic, so most cats get short-lived mouth irritation, drooling, and vomiting rather than a life-threatening reaction. It is still worth a vet call to be safe, especially if your cat ate a lot or symptoms persist.
What symptoms should I watch for?
Signs usually appear soon after chewing: drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy. The red berries contain saponins and may cause mild gastrointestinal upset if ingested in quantity by humans or pets. Maianthemum canadense is not individually listed by ASPCA as toxic or non-toxic. Given the genus's saponin content and the lack of an explicit non-toxic listing, treat as mildly toxic and prevent ingestion by children and pets. Any worsening or persistent symptoms warrant an immediate vet visit.
Should I make my cat vomit?
No — do not induce vomiting unless a vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center specifically tells you to. The wrong action can make things worse. Call (888) 426-4435 and follow professional advice.
How do I stop this happening again?
Keep canada mayflower well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best cats-safe plants list.
Related
- Is canada mayflower toxic to cats? — full toxicity detail
- Canada Mayflower and pets — the complete ASPCA pet-safety guide