Amur Maple — Wouter Hagens, no known copyright restrictions (public domain)
Photo by Wouter Hagens, no known copyright restrictions (public domain)iNaturalistPublic domain
cat safety reference

Is Amur Maple safe for cats?

Acer ginnala

The Amur Maple is a hardy, deciduous shrub or small tree known for its vibrant autumn foliage and fragrant spring flowers. It is considered non-toxic to pets, though ingestion of large amounts of fibrous plant material may occasionally cause mild digestive discomfort.

Acer ginnalaAmur Maple
Light
Full sun to partial shade
Habit
Shrub or small tree
Care
Low

Safety status

Cats

Generally safe

Consulted references do not classify the plant as toxic for that pet type, while still allowing for mild GI upset if large amounts are chewed.

Verified against ASPCA/provenance audit 2026-05-06 on May 6, 2026.

What this means for your cat

Cats are not at toxicity risk from Amur maple — ASPCA lists Acer ginnala as non-toxic to cats. The well-known maple toxicity concern (red blood cell destruction from wilted Acer rubrum leaves) is a horse-only issue and is not documented in cats; a cat batting at fallen Amur maple samaras or chewing a leaf is not being poisoned.

Sources: ASPCA.

If a pet has chewed or swallowed plant material and is showing symptoms, contact a veterinarian or poison resource immediately. This product is for structured reference, not diagnosis.

Catsconcern notes

Common signs

None expected; however, large ingestions of fibrous plant material may cause mild vomiting or diarrhea.

Escalation note

This plant is considered non-toxic. If your cat consumes a significant amount and shows persistent signs of distress, contact your veterinarian.

Bring it home

Amur Mapleis generally pet-safe in ordinary household exposure. If you’d like one for your space, here’s a starting point.

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Source evidence

NC State Extension Plant Toolbox: Acer ginnala

botanical · 94% reliability

Open source

A deciduous shrub or small tree that is widely used in landscapes for its ornamental value and tolerance to various soil conditions.

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Questions about Amur Maple

Is Amur Maple toxic to cats?

Amur Maple (Acer ginnala) is considered non-toxic to cats. It is classified as generally safe, meaning it does not contain compounds known to cause poisoning in cats.

What happens if my cat eats Amur Maple leaves?

Symptoms are not expected from small amounts. If your cat eats a large quantity of the fibrous plant material, it may experience mild vomiting or diarrhea due to digestive irritation, not toxicity.

Should I call my vet if my cat chewed on an Amur Maple?

A small nibble is unlikely to cause any problems, but if your cat consumed a significant amount and shows persistent vomiting, diarrhea, or signs of distress, contact your veterinarian.

Does 'non-toxic' mean Amur Maple is safe for my cat to eat freely?

Non-toxic means the plant does not contain known poisons, but that does not make it a suitable food for cats. Large ingestions of any fibrous plant material can cause mild GI upset, so it is best to discourage your cat from eating it.

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