Is Mandacaru Cactus toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists mandacaru 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. Cereus jamacaru is not individually listed by ASPCA. Cereus as a genus is not documented to contain systemic toxic compounds. The primary hazard is physical injury from the large, stout spines which can cause puncture wounds. Ingestion of plant tissue may cause mild gastrointestinal irritation in pets. Keep away from children and animals.

Cereus jamacaru is not individually listed by ASPCA. Cereus as a genus is not documented to contain systemic toxic compounds. The primary hazard is physical injury from the large, stout spines which can cause puncture wounds. Ingestion of plant tissue may cause mild gastrointestinal irritation in pets. Keep away from children and animals. 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 mandacaru 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.

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Mandacaru Cactus is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full mandacaru cactus 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.