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Pet safety

Is Japanese Maple toxic to cats?

Acer palmatum

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists japanese maple 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. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List. Acer palmatum is not individually listed on the ASPCA Toxic/Non-Toxic Plants database. The only maple the ASPCA lists, Red Maple (Acer rubrum), is toxic to horses (wilted leaves cause red-blood-cell damage) though non-toxic to cats and dogs. Because A. palmatum's status is not individually established, treat with caution — keep horses away from wilted leaves and verify with a vet for other pets.

What to do if your cat ate japanese maple

  1. Remove any plant material from your cat's mouth and move japanese 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 japanese maple to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.

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

Is japanese maple toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is japanese maple toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists japanese maple 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. Acer palmatum is not individually listed on the ASPCA Toxic/Non-Toxic Plants database. The only maple the ASPCA lists, Red Maple (Acer rubrum), is toxic to horses (wilted leaves cause red-blood-cell damage) though non-toxic to cats and dogs. Because A. palmatum's status is not individually established, treat with caution — keep horses away from wilted leaves and verify with a vet for other pets.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats japanese maple?

Acer palmatum is not individually listed on the ASPCA Toxic/Non-Toxic Plants database. The only maple the ASPCA lists, Red Maple (Acer rubrum), is toxic to horses (wilted leaves cause red-blood-cell damage) though non-toxic to cats and dogs. Because A. palmatum's status is not individually established, treat with caution — keep horses away from wilted leaves and verify with a vet for other pets. 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 japanese maple.

What should I do if my cat ate japanese 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 japanese maple toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to japanese 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 japanese maple pet-safety