Is Agave victoriae-reginae 'Compacta' toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists agave victoriae-reginae 'compacta' 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 by the ASPCA, but agaves are documented to contain irritant sap with calcium oxalate crystals and saponins that can cause mouth, lip and tongue irritation, drooling, and stomach upset if chewed; the rigid terminal spine can also injure pets. Treat with caution and verify with a vet if your pet ingests it.

Agave is not individually listed by the ASPCA, but agaves are documented to contain irritant sap with calcium oxalate crystals and saponins that can cause mouth, lip and tongue irritation, drooling, and stomach upset if chewed; the rigid terminal spine can also injure pets. Treat with caution and verify with a vet if your pet ingests it. 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 victoriae-reginae 'compacta'.

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 victoriae-reginae 'Compacta' is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full agave victoriae-reginae 'compacta' 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.