Is Agave tequilana toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists agave tequilana 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 tequilana is not individually listed by the ASPCA; treat with caution and verify with a vet. Although the cooked core is used to make tequila and agave syrup for humans, the raw plant contains calcium oxalate crystals and saponins documented by veterinary sources to irritate the mouth and gut and cause vomiting in pets; sharp leaf spines pose a physical hazard.

Agave tequilana is not individually listed by the ASPCA; treat with caution and verify with a vet. Although the cooked core is used to make tequila and agave syrup for humans, the raw plant contains calcium oxalate crystals and saponins documented by veterinary sources to irritate the mouth and gut and cause vomiting in pets; sharp leaf spines pose 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 tequilana.

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