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Pet safety

Is Finger Mesemb toxic to cats?

Dactylopsis digitata

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists finger mesemb 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. Dactylopsis digitata is not individually listed by the ASPCA. As a member of Aizoaceae, minor irritant compounds may be present; treat as mildly toxic and keep away from pets and children.

What to do if your cat ate finger mesemb

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

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

Is finger mesemb toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is finger mesemb toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists finger mesemb 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. Dactylopsis digitata is not individually listed by the ASPCA. As a member of Aizoaceae, minor irritant compounds may be present; treat as mildly toxic and keep away from pets and children.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats finger mesemb?

Dactylopsis digitata is not individually listed by the ASPCA. As a member of Aizoaceae, minor irritant compounds may be present; treat as mildly toxic and keep away from pets and children. 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 finger mesemb.

What should I do if my cat ate finger mesemb?

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 finger mesemb toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Finger Mesemb is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full finger mesemb pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to finger mesemb?

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 finger mesemb pet-safety