Is Downy Serviceberry toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists downy serviceberry as mildly toxic to cats — a chewing cat typically gets mouth irritation, drooling, and vomiting rather than a medical emergency, but it is still best kept out of reach. Amelanchier arborea is not individually listed in the ASPCA's toxic or non-toxic plant database; treat with caution and verify with a vet. The ripe fruit is human-edible, but as a rose-family plant the leaves and seeds can contain cyanogenic compounds, and pet safety is not ASPCA-established, so do not label it pet-safe.

Amelanchier arborea is not individually listed in the ASPCA's toxic or non-toxic plant database; treat with caution and verify with a vet. The ripe fruit is human-edible, but as a rose-family plant the leaves and seeds can contain cyanogenic compounds, and pet safety is not ASPCA-established, so do not label it pet-safe. 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 downy serviceberry.

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.

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Downy Serviceberry is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full downy serviceberry pet-safety guide for both species.

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.