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Is Sycamore Maple toxic to cats?

Acer pseudoplatanus

Toxic to cats

Yes — sycamore maple is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List. Acer pseudoplatanus seeds (samaras) and seedlings contain Hypoglycin A, which causes atypical myopathy — a potentially fatal muscle disease in horses and has been implicated in cases in dogs. The ASPCA does not individually list this species, but the toxic compound is well-documented in veterinary literature. Horse owners must prevent access to fallen seeds. Keep dogs from ingesting seeds or seedlings.

What to do if your cat ate sycamore maple

  1. Remove any plant material from your cat's mouth and move sycamore maple out of reach.
  2. Note how much was eaten and when, and watch for drooling, vomiting, or lethargy.
  3. Do not induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist instructs you to.
  4. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice.
  5. Bring a leaf or photo of sycamore maple to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.

General guidance, not veterinary advice. If you think your cat has eaten sycamore maple, contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 — do not wait for symptoms to worsen.

Is sycamore maple toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is sycamore maple toxic to cats?

Yes — sycamore maple is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Acer pseudoplatanus seeds (samaras) and seedlings contain Hypoglycin A, which causes atypical myopathy — a potentially fatal muscle disease in horses and has been implicated in cases in dogs. The ASPCA does not individually list this species, but the toxic compound is well-documented in veterinary literature. Horse owners must prevent access to fallen seeds. Keep dogs from ingesting seeds or seedlings.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats sycamore maple?

Acer pseudoplatanus seeds (samaras) and seedlings contain Hypoglycin A, which causes atypical myopathy — a potentially fatal muscle disease in horses and has been implicated in cases in dogs. The ASPCA does not individually list this species, but the toxic compound is well-documented in veterinary literature. Horse owners must prevent access to fallen seeds. Keep dogs from ingesting seeds or seedlings. Signs usually appear soon after chewing rather than hours later — watch for drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy after your cat has had access to sycamore maple.

What should I do if my cat ate sycamore maple?

Stay calm. Remove any plant from your cat's mouth and take the plant away. Note how much was eaten and when, and do not induce vomiting unless told to. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice; a leaf or photo helps the vet treat it correctly.

Is sycamore maple toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Sycamore Maple is toxic to dogs as well. See the full sycamore maple pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to sycamore maple?

For a similar look without the risk, see the best cats-safe plants list — every plant there is ASPCA non-toxic to cats and dogs.

Full sycamore maple pet-safety