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Is Harris's Air Plant toxic to cats?

Tillandsia harrisii

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists harris's air 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. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List. Tillandsia is not formally listed by ASPCA as either toxic or non-toxic. Widely regarded in the air plant community as non-harmful, but classified here as mildly-toxic because the ASPCA listing is absent. Ingestion of plant material may cause mild gastrointestinal upset in cats or dogs. Consult a vet if a pet consumes a significant quantity.

What to do if your cat ate harris's air plant

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

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

Is harris's air plant toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is harris's air plant toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists harris's air 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. Tillandsia is not formally listed by ASPCA as either toxic or non-toxic. Widely regarded in the air plant community as non-harmful, but classified here as mildly-toxic because the ASPCA listing is absent. Ingestion of plant material may cause mild gastrointestinal upset in cats or dogs. Consult a vet if a pet consumes a significant quantity.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats harris's air plant?

Tillandsia is not formally listed by ASPCA as either toxic or non-toxic. Widely regarded in the air plant community as non-harmful, but classified here as mildly-toxic because the ASPCA listing is absent. Ingestion of plant material may cause mild gastrointestinal upset in cats or dogs. Consult a vet if a pet consumes a significant quantity. 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 harris's air plant.

What should I do if my cat ate harris's air 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.

Is harris's air plant toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Harris's Air Plant is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full harris's air plant pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to harris's air plant?

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 harris's air plant pet-safety