Is Agave colorata toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists agave colorata as mildly toxic to cats — a chewing cat typically gets mouth irritation, drooling, and vomiting rather than a medical emergency, but it is still best kept out of reach. Agave colorata is not individually listed by the ASPCA; treat with caution and verify with a vet. Like other Agave species, veterinary poison-control sources document calcium oxalate crystals and saponins that cause oral irritation, drooling, vomiting and dermal irritation from the sap, with added injury risk from the bold teeth and sharp terminal spine.

Agave colorata is not individually listed by the ASPCA; treat with caution and verify with a vet. Like other Agave species, veterinary poison-control sources document calcium oxalate crystals and saponins that cause oral irritation, drooling, vomiting and dermal irritation from the sap, with added injury risk from the bold teeth and sharp terminal spine. Signs usually appear soon after chewing rather than hours later — watch for drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy after your cat has had access to agave colorata.

Stay calm. Remove any plant from your cat's mouth and take the plant away. Note how much was eaten and when, and do not induce vomiting unless told to. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice; a leaf or photo helps the vet treat it correctly.

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Agave colorata is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full agave colorata pet-safety guide for both species.

For a similar look without the risk, see the best cats-safe plants list — every plant there is ASPCA non-toxic to cats and dogs.