Pet safety
Is Flowering mapletoxic to cats & dogs?
Abutilon × hybridum
Quick verdict — at a glance
- Toxic to cats?
- Yes — mildly
- Toxic to dogs?
- Yes — mildly
- ASPCA classification
- Mildly toxic to pets · botanical name Abutilon × hybridum
Is flowering maple safe for cats and dogs?
Mildly. The ASPCA flags flowering maple as mildly toxic to cats and dogs — a chewing pet gets oral irritation and drooling rather than a medical emergency, but it is still worth a high shelf. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List, the most widely used reference for companion-animal plant safety in the US and the standard most UK vets cite as well. Abutilon is not individually listed on the ASPCA toxic or non-toxic plant lists, and no member of the genus appears on either list, so its safety has not been formally cleared. As a precaution treat it as mildly toxic, keep pets and children from chewing it, and check with your vet if ingestion occurs.
| Pet | Toxic? | Per ASPCA |
|---|---|---|
| Cats | Yes (mild) | Mildly toxic to pets |
| Dogs | Yes (mild) | Mildly toxic to pets |
What happens if a pet eats flowering maple?
Abutilon is not individually listed on the ASPCA toxic or non-toxic plant lists, and no member of the genus appears on either list, so its safety has not been formally cleared. As a precaution treat it as mildly toxic, keep pets and children from chewing it, and check with your vet if ingestion occurs. Signs usually appear soon after chewing rather than hours later. If you see drooling, pawing at the mouth, head-shaking, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy after your pet has had access to flowering maple, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What to do if your pet ate flowering maple
- Remove any plant material from your pet's mouth and move flowering maple out of reach.
- Note how much was eaten and when, and watch for drooling, vomiting, or lethargy.
- Do not induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist instructs you to.
- Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice.
- Bring a leaf or photo of flowering maple to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.
This page is general guidance, not veterinary advice. Pets vary, and a reaction may be to soil, fertiliser, or pesticide rather than the plant. If you are worried, always contact a vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 — do not wait for symptoms to worsen.
Pet-safe alternatives to flowering maple
Want the same look without the risk? These plants are listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA and have similar care needs:
- Hoya — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- Bromeliad — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- Christmas cactus — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- African violet — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
Flowering maple and pets — frequently asked questions
Is flowering maple toxic to cats?
Flowering maple (Abutilon × hybridum) is mildly toxic to pets to cats according to the ASPCA. Abutilon is not individually listed on the ASPCA toxic or non-toxic plant lists, and no member of the genus appears on either list, so its safety has not been formally cleared. As a precaution treat it as mildly toxic, keep pets and children from chewing it, and check with your vet if ingestion occurs. Keep it out of reach and contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 if your cat chews it.
Is flowering maple toxic to dogs?
The ASPCA lists the same toxicity status for dogs as for cats: Flowering maple is mildly toxic to pets. Dogs often chew more enthusiastically than cats, so a toxic plant like flowering maple is best removed from the floor and low shelves entirely.
What happens if my pet eats flowering maple?
Abutilon is not individually listed on the ASPCA toxic or non-toxic plant lists, and no member of the genus appears on either list, so its safety has not been formally cleared. As a precaution treat it as mildly toxic, keep pets and children from chewing it, and check with your vet if ingestion occurs. Signs usually appear soon after chewing rather than hours later. If you see drooling, pawing at the mouth, head-shaking, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy after your pet has had access to flowering maple, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What should I do if my cat or dog ate flowering maple?
Stay calm. Remove any remaining plant material from your pet's mouth and take the plant away so they cannot eat more. Note roughly how much was eaten and when. Do not make your pet vomit 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. Bringing a photo or a leaf of flowering maple to the appointment helps the vet treat it correctly.
What are pet-safe alternatives to flowering maple?
If you want a similar look without the risk, good non-toxic swaps include hoya, bromeliad, christmas cactus, african violet. All of these are listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA, so they suit a home where pets have access to your plants.
Full flowering maple care
Pet-safety is one piece of the picture. For light, watering, soil, and troubleshooting, see the complete flowering maple care guide, or browse the full pet-safe plant library to check another plant before you buy it.