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If your cat ate old man of the andes — do this now

  1. Take the plant away and clear any pieces from their mouth.
  2. Do not induce vomiting unless told to by a professional.
  3. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 now.

Old Man of the Andes is mildly toxic to cats (ASPCA).

Pet emergency

My cat ate Old Man of the Andes — what to do

Step by step

  1. Take old man of the andes away and remove any plant material from your cat's mouth so they cannot eat more.
  2. Note roughly how much was eaten and when — this helps the vet judge the risk.
  3. Do NOT induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist tells you to.
  4. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 (a consultation fee may apply) and follow their advice.
  5. Watch for drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or lethargy, and bring a leaf or photo to the appointment.

This is general guidance, not veterinary advice. Pets vary, and a reaction may be to soil, fertiliser, or pesticide as well as the plant. When in doubt, call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435.

My cat ate old man of the andes — FAQ

Is old man of the andes poisonous to cats?

Yes — the ASPCA lists Old Man of the Andes (Oreocereus celsianus) as mildly toxic to cats. Not individually listed by the ASPCA. The true cacti the ASPCA does list are classed as non-toxic to cats and dogs, so Oreocereus celsianus is very unlikely to be chemically poisonous. The genuine hazard is mechanical — stout spines hide beneath the soft white hair and can injure pets, and ingested fibre may cause vomiting. Treat with caution and verify with a vet if your pet ingests it.

How serious is it if my cat ate old man of the andes?

Old Man of the Andes is mildly toxic, so most cats get short-lived mouth irritation, drooling, and vomiting rather than a life-threatening reaction. It is still worth a vet call to be safe, especially if your cat ate a lot or symptoms persist.

What symptoms should I watch for?

Signs usually appear soon after chewing: drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy. Not individually listed by the ASPCA. The true cacti the ASPCA does list are classed as non-toxic to cats and dogs, so Oreocereus celsianus is very unlikely to be chemically poisonous. The genuine hazard is mechanical — stout spines hide beneath the soft white hair and can injure pets, and ingested fibre may cause vomiting. Treat with caution and verify with a vet if your pet ingests it. Any worsening or persistent symptoms warrant an immediate vet visit.

Should I make my cat vomit?

No — do not induce vomiting unless a vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center specifically tells you to. The wrong action can make things worse. Call (888) 426-4435 and follow professional advice.

How do I stop this happening again?

Keep old man of the andes well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best cats-safe plants list.

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