Cats
Generally safeConsulted 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.
Sources
cat safety reference
Is American Linden safe for cats?
Tilia americana
The American Linden is a large, deciduous shade tree known for its fragrant flowers and heart-shaped leaves. It is considered safe for pets, though ingestion of large amounts of plant material may cause minor digestive discomfort.
American BasswoodBasswoodLindenTilia americana
- Light
- Full sun to partial shade
- Habit
- Upright, spreading tree
- Care
- Low
Safety status
What this means for your cat
ASPCA lists linden (Tilia spp.) as non-toxic to cats, with no toxic principle on file; American linden falls under that same genus listing. A cat that nibbles fallen leaves or fragrant flowers from a Tilia americana isn't being poisoned, and there is no documented species-specific cat hazard within the genus.
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.
Cats — concern notes
Common signs
None expected, though excessive ingestion of fibrous leaves may lead to mild vomiting or diarrhea.
Escalation note
Non-toxic. If your cat consumes a large quantity and shows signs of distress, contact your veterinarian.
Bring it home
American Lindenis 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
ASPCA Toxic Plant List
toxicology · 99% reliability
Linden is listed as non-toxic to both cats and dogs.
NC State Extension Plant Toolbox
botanical · 94% reliability
Tilia americana is a native deciduous tree valued for its shade and fragrant flowers.
Questions about American Linden
Is American Linden toxic to cats?
American Linden (Tilia americana) is considered non-toxic to cats. It is classified as generally safe, meaning exposure to the leaves, flowers, or bark is not expected to cause poisoning.
What happens if my cat eats American Linden leaves?
No toxic symptoms are expected, but consuming a large amount of fibrous leaves may lead to mild vomiting or diarrhea from the bulk plant material alone, not from any toxic compound.
What should I do if my cat ate a large amount of American Linden?
Because American Linden is non-toxic, a small nibble requires no treatment. If your cat ate a significant quantity and is showing vomiting, diarrhea, or signs of distress, contact your veterinarian for guidance.
Does the amount of American Linden a cat eats matter?
Non-toxic does not mean harmless in large quantities — the fibrous leaves can irritate a cat's digestive tract if eaten in excess, potentially causing mild GI upset. Small amounts are not a concern.
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