Is Heart of Flame Bromeliad toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists heart of flame bromeliad 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. The ASPCA lists bromeliads as non-toxic to cats and dogs, and Bromelia balansae is generally considered safe. However, some Bromelia species contain calcium oxalate crystals and saponin-like compounds that may cause transient oral irritation or mild gastrointestinal upset if ingested in quantity. Classified as mildly-toxic here due to this uncertainty and the severe physical hazard of the hooked leaf spines.

The ASPCA lists bromeliads as non-toxic to cats and dogs, and Bromelia balansae is generally considered safe. However, some Bromelia species contain calcium oxalate crystals and saponin-like compounds that may cause transient oral irritation or mild gastrointestinal upset if ingested in quantity. Classified as mildly-toxic here due to this uncertainty and the severe physical hazard of the hooked leaf spines. 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 heart of flame bromeliad.

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: Heart of Flame Bromeliad is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full heart of flame bromeliad 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.