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Is Emory's Barrel Cactus toxic to cats?

Ferocactus emoryi

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists emory's barrel 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. Ferocactus is not individually listed by ASPCA. The flesh and spines are not known to contain systemic toxins, but physical injury from the stout hooked spines is a significant hazard for pets and children. Ingestion of plant material may cause mild gastrointestinal irritation. Keep out of reach of curious pets.

What to do if your cat ate emory's barrel cactus

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

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

Is emory's barrel cactus toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is emory's barrel cactus toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists emory's barrel 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. Ferocactus is not individually listed by ASPCA. The flesh and spines are not known to contain systemic toxins, but physical injury from the stout hooked spines is a significant hazard for pets and children. Ingestion of plant material may cause mild gastrointestinal irritation. Keep out of reach of curious pets.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats emory's barrel cactus?

Ferocactus is not individually listed by ASPCA. The flesh and spines are not known to contain systemic toxins, but physical injury from the stout hooked spines is a significant hazard for pets and children. Ingestion of plant material may cause mild gastrointestinal irritation. Keep out of reach of curious pets. 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 emory's barrel cactus.

What should I do if my cat ate emory's barrel 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 emory's barrel cactus toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Emory's Barrel Cactus is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full emory's barrel cactus pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to emory's barrel 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 emory's barrel cactus pet-safety