Is Green-flowered Pitaya toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists green-flowered pitaya 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. Echinocereus chloranthus is not individually listed by ASPCA. No toxic alkaloids or oxalates are documented in the Echinocereus genus. Physical injury from the variably coloured, rigid spines is the primary hazard for pets and handlers. Ingestion of plant tissue may cause mechanical irritation and mild gastrointestinal discomfort. Treat with appropriate caution around pets and children.

Echinocereus chloranthus is not individually listed by ASPCA. No toxic alkaloids or oxalates are documented in the Echinocereus genus. Physical injury from the variably coloured, rigid spines is the primary hazard for pets and handlers. Ingestion of plant tissue may cause mechanical irritation and mild gastrointestinal discomfort. Treat with appropriate caution around 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 green-flowered pitaya.

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: Green-flowered Pitaya is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full green-flowered pitaya 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.