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Is Bishop's Cap Cactus toxic to cats?

Astrophytum myriostigma

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists bishop's cap cactus 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. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List. Astrophytum myriostigma is not individually listed in the ASPCA's toxic or non-toxic plant database, and cacti contain no recognised toxic principle. Note that the ASPCA "Star Cactus" guidance some sources cite actually refers to Haworthia, a different genus - so there is no same-genus ASPCA listing for it. It is generally regarded as low-risk and is spineless, but because it is not individually verified, treat ingestion as a potential GI irritant and verify with your vet if a pet eats it.

What to do if your cat ate bishop's cap cactus

  1. Remove any plant material from your cat's mouth and move bishop's cap cactus 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 bishop's cap cactus to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.

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

Is bishop's cap cactus toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is bishop's cap cactus toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists bishop's cap cactus 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. Astrophytum myriostigma is not individually listed in the ASPCA's toxic or non-toxic plant database, and cacti contain no recognised toxic principle. Note that the ASPCA "Star Cactus" guidance some sources cite actually refers to Haworthia, a different genus - so there is no same-genus ASPCA listing for it. It is generally regarded as low-risk and is spineless, but because it is not individually verified, treat ingestion as a potential GI irritant and verify with your vet if a pet eats it.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats bishop's cap cactus?

Astrophytum myriostigma is not individually listed in the ASPCA's toxic or non-toxic plant database, and cacti contain no recognised toxic principle. Note that the ASPCA "Star Cactus" guidance some sources cite actually refers to Haworthia, a different genus - so there is no same-genus ASPCA listing for it. It is generally regarded as low-risk and is spineless, but because it is not individually verified, treat ingestion as a potential GI irritant and verify with your vet if a pet eats 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 bishop's cap cactus.

What should I do if my cat ate bishop's cap cactus?

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 bishop's cap cactus toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Bishop's Cap Cactus is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full bishop's cap cactus pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to bishop's cap cactus?

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 bishop's cap cactus pet-safety