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Pet safety

Is Mayhaw toxic to cats?

Crataegus aestivalis

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists mayhaw 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. Crataegus is not individually listed on the ASPCA toxic plant database, so a non-toxic claim cannot be asserted; treat with caution and verify with a vet. The fruit pulp is eaten and made into jelly, but as with other pome seeds the crushed seeds contain cyanogenic compounds, so keep pets from chewing large amounts of seed.

What to do if your cat ate mayhaw

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

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

Is mayhaw toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is mayhaw toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists mayhaw 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. Crataegus is not individually listed on the ASPCA toxic plant database, so a non-toxic claim cannot be asserted; treat with caution and verify with a vet. The fruit pulp is eaten and made into jelly, but as with other pome seeds the crushed seeds contain cyanogenic compounds, so keep pets from chewing large amounts of seed.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats mayhaw?

Crataegus is not individually listed on the ASPCA toxic plant database, so a non-toxic claim cannot be asserted; treat with caution and verify with a vet. The fruit pulp is eaten and made into jelly, but as with other pome seeds the crushed seeds contain cyanogenic compounds, so keep pets from chewing large amounts of seed. 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 mayhaw.

What should I do if my cat ate mayhaw?

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 mayhaw toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to mayhaw?

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 mayhaw pet-safety