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Pet safety

Is Pygmy Torch Amaranth toxic to cats?

Amaranthus hypochondriacus

Toxic to cats

Yes — pygmy torch amaranth is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List. The ASPCA lists Amaranthus species as toxic to cats and dogs. Ingestion can cause gastrointestinal upset and kidney and liver stress; the plants also accumulate oxalates and nitrates harmful to livestock. Keep pets away from plants and fallen plant material.

What to do if your cat ate pygmy torch amaranth

  1. Remove any plant material from your cat's mouth and move pygmy torch amaranth out of reach.
  2. Note how much was eaten and when, and watch for drooling, vomiting, or lethargy.
  3. Do not induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist instructs you to.
  4. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice.
  5. Bring a leaf or photo of pygmy torch amaranth to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.

General guidance, not veterinary advice. If you think your cat has eaten pygmy torch amaranth, contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 — do not wait for symptoms to worsen.

Is pygmy torch amaranth toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is pygmy torch amaranth toxic to cats?

Yes — pygmy torch amaranth is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. The ASPCA lists Amaranthus species as toxic to cats and dogs. Ingestion can cause gastrointestinal upset and kidney and liver stress; the plants also accumulate oxalates and nitrates harmful to livestock. Keep pets away from plants and fallen plant material.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats pygmy torch amaranth?

The ASPCA lists Amaranthus species as toxic to cats and dogs. Ingestion can cause gastrointestinal upset and kidney and liver stress; the plants also accumulate oxalates and nitrates harmful to livestock. Keep pets away from plants and fallen plant material. 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 pygmy torch amaranth.

What should I do if my cat ate pygmy torch amaranth?

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.

Is pygmy torch amaranth toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Pygmy Torch Amaranth is toxic to dogs as well. See the full pygmy torch amaranth pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to pygmy torch amaranth?

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.

Full pygmy torch amaranth pet-safety