Growli
Let's go

Pet safety

Is Bunny Ear Cactus toxic to cats?

Opuntia microdasys

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists bunny ear 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. The ASPCA lists Opuntia species as potentially harmful to dogs and cats. Ingestion may cause vomiting and lethargy, and the microscopic glochid spines can embed in mucous membranes, causing mechanical injury and intense irritation. Keep out of reach of pets and children and handle only with thick gloves or rubber-tipped tongs.

What to do if your cat ate bunny ear cactus

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

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

Is bunny ear cactus toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is bunny ear cactus toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists bunny ear 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. The ASPCA lists Opuntia species as potentially harmful to dogs and cats. Ingestion may cause vomiting and lethargy, and the microscopic glochid spines can embed in mucous membranes, causing mechanical injury and intense irritation. Keep out of reach of pets and children and handle only with thick gloves or rubber-tipped tongs.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats bunny ear cactus?

The ASPCA lists Opuntia species as potentially harmful to dogs and cats. Ingestion may cause vomiting and lethargy, and the microscopic glochid spines can embed in mucous membranes, causing mechanical injury and intense irritation. Keep out of reach of pets and children and handle only with thick gloves or rubber-tipped tongs. 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 bunny ear cactus.

What should I do if my cat ate bunny ear 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 bunny ear cactus toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Bunny Ear Cactus is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full bunny ear cactus pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to bunny ear 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 bunny ear cactus pet-safety