Is Chilean Sheep-eating Plant toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists chilean sheep-eating plant 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. Puya chilensis is not listed as a toxic plant by the ASPCA. However, the sharp, hooked leaf spines can inflict serious physical wounds on pets and livestock — the 'sheep-eating' reputation stems from animals becoming fatally entangled. Classified as mildly-toxic here due to absence of confirmed ASPCA pet-safe listing and physical injury risk.

Puya chilensis is not listed as a toxic plant by the ASPCA. However, the sharp, hooked leaf spines can inflict serious physical wounds on pets and livestock — the 'sheep-eating' reputation stems from animals becoming fatally entangled. Classified as mildly-toxic here due to absence of confirmed ASPCA pet-safe listing and physical injury risk. 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 chilean sheep-eating plant.

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: Chilean Sheep-eating Plant is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full chilean sheep-eating plant 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.