Pet safety
Is Bishop's Cap Cactustoxic to cats & dogs?
Astrophytum myriostigma
Quick verdict — at a glance
- Toxic to cats?
- Yes — mildly
- Toxic to dogs?
- Yes — mildly
- ASPCA classification
- Mildly toxic to pets · botanical name Astrophytum myriostigma
Is bishop's cap cactus safe for cats and dogs?
Mildly. The ASPCA flags bishop's cap cactus as mildly toxic to cats and dogs — a chewing pet gets oral irritation and drooling rather than a medical emergency, but it is still worth a high shelf. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List, the most widely used reference for companion-animal plant safety in the US and the standard most UK vets cite as well. Astrophytum myriostigma is not individually listed in the ASPCA's toxic or non-toxic plant database, and cacti contain no recognised toxic principle. Note that the ASPCA "Star Cactus" guidance some sources cite actually refers to Haworthia, a different genus - so there is no same-genus ASPCA listing for it. It is generally regarded as low-risk and is spineless, but because it is not individually verified, treat ingestion as a potential GI irritant and verify with your vet if a pet eats it.
| Pet | Toxic? | Per ASPCA |
|---|---|---|
| Cats | Yes (mild) | Mildly toxic to pets |
| Dogs | Yes (mild) | Mildly toxic to pets |
What happens if a pet eats bishop's cap cactus?
Astrophytum myriostigma is not individually listed in the ASPCA's toxic or non-toxic plant database, and cacti contain no recognised toxic principle. Note that the ASPCA "Star Cactus" guidance some sources cite actually refers to Haworthia, a different genus - so there is no same-genus ASPCA listing for it. It is generally regarded as low-risk and is spineless, but because it is not individually verified, treat ingestion as a potential GI irritant and verify with your vet if a pet eats it. Signs usually appear soon after chewing rather than hours later. If you see drooling, pawing at the mouth, head-shaking, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy after your pet has had access to bishop's cap cactus, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What to do if your pet ate bishop's cap cactus
- Remove any plant material from your pet's mouth and move bishop's cap cactus out of reach.
- Note how much was eaten and when, and watch for drooling, vomiting, or lethargy.
- Do not induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist instructs you to.
- Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice.
- Bring a leaf or photo of bishop's cap cactus to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.
This page is general guidance, not veterinary advice. Pets vary, and a reaction may be to soil, fertiliser, or pesticide rather than the plant. If you are worried, always contact a vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 — do not wait for symptoms to worsen.
Pet-safe alternatives to bishop's cap cactus
Want the same look without the risk? These plants are listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA and have similar care needs:
- Peperomia — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- Cast iron plant — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- Spider plant — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- Ponytail palm — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
Bishop's Cap Cactus and pets — frequently asked questions
Is bishop's cap cactus toxic to cats?
Bishop's Cap Cactus (Astrophytum myriostigma) is mildly toxic to pets to cats according to the ASPCA. Astrophytum myriostigma is not individually listed in the ASPCA's toxic or non-toxic plant database, and cacti contain no recognised toxic principle. Note that the ASPCA "Star Cactus" guidance some sources cite actually refers to Haworthia, a different genus - so there is no same-genus ASPCA listing for it. It is generally regarded as low-risk and is spineless, but because it is not individually verified, treat ingestion as a potential GI irritant and verify with your vet if a pet eats it. Keep it out of reach and contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 if your cat chews it.
Is bishop's cap cactus toxic to dogs?
The ASPCA lists the same toxicity status for dogs as for cats: Bishop's Cap Cactus is mildly toxic to pets. Dogs often chew more enthusiastically than cats, so a toxic plant like bishop's cap cactus is best removed from the floor and low shelves entirely.
What happens if my pet eats bishop's cap cactus?
Astrophytum myriostigma is not individually listed in the ASPCA's toxic or non-toxic plant database, and cacti contain no recognised toxic principle. Note that the ASPCA "Star Cactus" guidance some sources cite actually refers to Haworthia, a different genus - so there is no same-genus ASPCA listing for it. It is generally regarded as low-risk and is spineless, but because it is not individually verified, treat ingestion as a potential GI irritant and verify with your vet if a pet eats it. Signs usually appear soon after chewing rather than hours later. If you see drooling, pawing at the mouth, head-shaking, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy after your pet has had access to bishop's cap cactus, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What should I do if my cat or dog ate bishop's cap cactus?
Stay calm. Remove any remaining plant material from your pet's mouth and take the plant away so they cannot eat more. Note roughly how much was eaten and when. Do not make your pet vomit unless a vet or poison-control specialist tells you to. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 (a consultation fee may apply) and follow their advice. Bringing a photo or a leaf of bishop's cap cactus to the appointment helps the vet treat it correctly.
What are pet-safe alternatives to bishop's cap cactus?
If you want a similar look without the risk, good non-toxic swaps include peperomia, cast iron plant, spider plant, ponytail palm. All of these are listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA, so they suit a home where pets have access to your plants.
Full bishop's cap cactus care
Pet-safety is one piece of the picture. For light, watering, soil, and troubleshooting, see the complete bishop's cap cactus care guide, or browse the full pet-safe plant library to check another plant before you buy it.