Pet safety
Is Autumn Gold Maidenhair Treetoxic to cats & dogs?
Ginkgo biloba 'Autumn Gold'
Toxic
Quick verdict — at a glance
- Toxic to cats?
- Yes — toxic
- Toxic to dogs?
- Yes — toxic
- ASPCA classification
- Toxic to pets · botanical name Ginkgo biloba 'Autumn Gold'
Is autumn gold maidenhair tree safe for cats and dogs?
No — autumn gold maidenhair tree is toxic to cats and dogs. Keep it well away from any pet that chews plants; reactions can be significant. 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. The ASPCA lists Ginkgo biloba as toxic to dogs and cats. Ingestion of the seed (fruit pulp and kernel) can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, and seizures. The leaves also contain ginkgolic acids that are irritating and potentially harmful; keep pets away from fallen leaves and fruit.
| Pet | Toxic? | Per ASPCA |
|---|---|---|
| Cats | Yes | Toxic to pets |
| Dogs | Yes | Toxic to pets |
What happens if a pet eats autumn gold maidenhair tree?
The ASPCA lists Ginkgo biloba as toxic to dogs and cats. Ingestion of the seed (fruit pulp and kernel) can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, and seizures. The leaves also contain ginkgolic acids that are irritating and potentially harmful; keep pets away from fallen leaves and fruit. 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 autumn gold maidenhair tree, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What to do if your pet ate autumn gold maidenhair tree
- Remove any plant material from your pet's mouth and move autumn gold maidenhair tree 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 autumn gold maidenhair tree 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 autumn gold maidenhair tree
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)
Autumn Gold Maidenhair Tree and pets — frequently asked questions
Is autumn gold maidenhair tree toxic to cats?
Autumn Gold Maidenhair Tree (Ginkgo biloba 'Autumn Gold') is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. The ASPCA lists Ginkgo biloba as toxic to dogs and cats. Ingestion of the seed (fruit pulp and kernel) can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, and seizures. The leaves also contain ginkgolic acids that are irritating and potentially harmful; keep pets away from fallen leaves and fruit. 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 autumn gold maidenhair tree toxic to dogs?
Per the ASPCA, Autumn Gold Maidenhair Tree (Ginkgo biloba 'Autumn Gold') is toxic to dogs. Dogs often chew more enthusiastically than cats, so a toxic plant like autumn gold maidenhair tree is best removed from the floor and low shelves entirely.
What happens if my pet eats autumn gold maidenhair tree?
The ASPCA lists Ginkgo biloba as toxic to dogs and cats. Ingestion of the seed (fruit pulp and kernel) can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, and seizures. The leaves also contain ginkgolic acids that are irritating and potentially harmful; keep pets away from fallen leaves and fruit. 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 autumn gold maidenhair tree, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What should I do if my cat or dog ate autumn gold maidenhair tree?
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 autumn gold maidenhair tree to the appointment helps the vet treat it correctly.
What are pet-safe alternatives to autumn gold maidenhair tree?
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 autumn gold maidenhair tree care
Pet-safety is one piece of the picture. For light, watering, soil, and troubleshooting, see the complete autumn gold maidenhair tree care guide, or browse the full pet-safe plant library to check another plant before you buy it.