What should I do if my cat ate Mayapple?

Remove any plant material from your cat's mouth and rinse the lips and gums with cool water. If sap touched the skin or fur, gently wash with mild pet shampoo to prevent further absorption. Then call your vet or ASPCA APCC. Call ASPCA Animal Poison Control (1-888-426-4435) or your vet for any confirmed ingestion. Bring your cat in immediately if you see persistent vomiting, severe lethargy or collapse, breathing changes, or skin ulcers.

What should I do if my dog ate Mayapple?

Remove any remaining plant material from your dog's mouth, save a leaf or piece of fruit for ID, and rinse the muzzle if sap is visible. Call your vet before giving anything by mouth. Do not induce vomiting unless directed. Call your vet or Pet Poison Helpline (1-800-213-6680) for any ingestion. Bring your dog in immediately if vomiting persists more than an hour or two, if you see bloody stool, breathing changes, or unusual lethargy.

Mayapple — no rights reserved, uploaded by mefisher — Photo by no rights reserved, uploaded by mefisheriNaturalistCC0

Photo by no rights reserved, uploaded by mefisheriNaturalistCC0

Pet safety reference

Mayapple

Q: Is Mayapple safe for cats?

Mayapple is potentially toxic to cats. Ingestion can lead to significant gastrointestinal distress. Please contact your veterinarian or an animal poison control center immediately if you suspect ingestion.

Q: Is Mayapple safe for dogs?

Mayapple is potentially toxic to dogs. The plant contains compounds that can cause systemic irritation. Seek veterinary care promptly if your dog has consumed any part of this plant.

Podophyllum peltatum

American Mandrake is a perennial woodland plant known for its umbrella-like leaves and single white flower. It contains podophyllotoxin, which is highly irritating and potentially dangerous if ingested by pets.

Check a list

American MayappleMayapplePodophyllum peltatumWild Mandrake

Light: Part shade to full shade
Habit: Rhizomatous perennial
Care: Low

Safety status

Cats & Dogs

Potentially toxic

Consulted references classify the plant as toxic or irritating for that pet type.

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

Sources

ASPCA Toxic Plant List

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.

Cats — concern notes

Common signs

Drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and potential lethargy.

Escalation note

Ingestion can lead to significant gastrointestinal distress. Please contact your veterinarian or an animal poison control center immediately if you suspect ingestion.

Dogs — concern notes

Common signs

Vomiting, diarrhea, excessive salivation, and signs of abdominal discomfort.

Escalation note

The plant contains compounds that can cause systemic irritation. Seek veterinary care promptly if your dog has consumed any part of this plant.

Safer alternatives

No hand-picked alternatives for this plant yet. You can still pick your own using the Compare button on any other plant.

Source evidence

ASPCA Toxic Plant List

toxicology · 99% reliability

Open source

Mayapple (Podophyllum peltatum) is listed as toxic to both cats and dogs.

NC State Extension Plant Toolbox

botanical · 94% reliability

Open source

Podophyllum peltatum is a native perennial that is toxic if ingested.

cats safety page My cat ate Mayapple dogs safety page My dog ate Mayapple

Same safety verdict

Other plants with the same verdict

Calla Lily

Zantedeschia aethiopica

The Arum Lily is a popular ornamental plant known for its striking white spathes, but it contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that can cause irritation upon ingestion. It is considered toxic to both cats and dogs.

Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.

Lily of the Valley

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Lily of the Valley is a popular spring-flowering perennial known for its fragrant, bell-shaped white flowers. It contains cardiac glycosides that are highly toxic to pets if ingested.

Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.

Monstera

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Monstera deliciosa is a popular tropical houseplant known for its large, fenestrated leaves and vining growth habit. It contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that can cause irritation if ingested by pets.

Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.

Snake Plant

Dracaena trifasciata

Dracaena trifasciata is a popular, hardy houseplant known for its stiff, sword-like leaves with striking yellow margins. It is widely appreciated for its air-purifying qualities and ability to thrive in various indoor conditions.

Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.