Pet emergency
My cat ate Trident Maple 'Kifu' — what to do
Step by step
- Take trident maple 'kifu' 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 trident maple 'kifu' — FAQ
Is trident maple 'kifu' poisonous to cats?
Yes — the ASPCA lists Trident Maple 'Kifu' (Acer buergerianum 'Kifu') as mildly toxic to cats. Acer buergerianum is not individually listed in the ASPCA toxic or non-toxic database. The Acer genus is mixed: Amur maple is ASPCA non-toxic, but red maple (Acer rubrum) is toxic to horses. Because trident maple has no specific ASPCA ruling, treat it as uncertain, keep it away from grazing animals, and verify with a vet.
How serious is it if my cat ate trident maple 'kifu'?
Trident Maple 'Kifu' 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. Acer buergerianum is not individually listed in the ASPCA toxic or non-toxic database. The Acer genus is mixed: Amur maple is ASPCA non-toxic, but red maple (Acer rubrum) is toxic to horses. Because trident maple has no specific ASPCA ruling, treat it as uncertain, keep it away from grazing animals, and verify with a vet. 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 trident maple 'kifu' well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best cats-safe plants list.
Related
- Is trident maple 'kifu' toxic to cats? — full toxicity detail
- Trident Maple 'Kifu' and pets — the complete ASPCA pet-safety guide