Is Agave pelona toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists agave pelona 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 is not individually listed on the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants database, so its status is unconfirmed; treat with caution and verify with a vet. Like other agaves, the leaves and sap contain calcium oxalate crystals and saponins that can irritate the mouth and skin and cause drooling, vomiting and diarrhoea if chewed. The hard terminal spine is also a physical hazard.

Agave is not individually listed on the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants database, so its status is unconfirmed; treat with caution and verify with a vet. Like other agaves, the leaves and sap contain calcium oxalate crystals and saponins that can irritate the mouth and skin and cause drooling, vomiting and diarrhoea if chewed. The hard terminal spine is also a physical hazard. 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 pelona.

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 pelona is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full agave pelona 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.