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Pet safety

Is Mayapple toxic to cats?

Podophyllum peltatum

Toxic to cats

Yes — mayapple 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. Podophyllum peltatum is highly toxic to pets and humans. All parts of the plant — roots, leaves, stems, seeds, and unripe fruit — contain podophyllotoxin, a cytotoxic resin that causes severe gastrointestinal upset, vomiting, diarrhoea, and can affect the nervous system. Only fully ripe yellow fruit flesh is reportedly edible in small amounts for humans, but seeds inside remain toxic. ASPCA lists this plant as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. Keep entirely out of reach of pets and children.

What to do if your cat ate mayapple

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

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

Is mayapple toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is mayapple toxic to cats?

Yes — mayapple is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Podophyllum peltatum is highly toxic to pets and humans. All parts of the plant — roots, leaves, stems, seeds, and unripe fruit — contain podophyllotoxin, a cytotoxic resin that causes severe gastrointestinal upset, vomiting, diarrhoea, and can affect the nervous system. Only fully ripe yellow fruit flesh is reportedly edible in small amounts for humans, but seeds inside remain toxic. ASPCA lists this plant as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. Keep entirely out of reach of pets and children.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats mayapple?

Podophyllum peltatum is highly toxic to pets and humans. All parts of the plant — roots, leaves, stems, seeds, and unripe fruit — contain podophyllotoxin, a cytotoxic resin that causes severe gastrointestinal upset, vomiting, diarrhoea, and can affect the nervous system. Only fully ripe yellow fruit flesh is reportedly edible in small amounts for humans, but seeds inside remain toxic. ASPCA lists this plant as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. Keep entirely out of reach of pets and children. 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 mayapple.

What should I do if my cat ate mayapple?

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 mayapple toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to mayapple?

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 mayapple pet-safety