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Is Prickly Thrift toxic to cats?

Armeria pungens

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists prickly thrift 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. Armeria pungens is not listed on the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant database as either toxic or non-toxic. No toxic principles have been documented in the genus. Applied as mildly-toxic as a precautionary measure; the spine-tipped leaves also present a physical injury risk if chewed by pets.

What to do if your cat ate prickly thrift

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

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

Is prickly thrift toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is prickly thrift toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists prickly thrift 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. Armeria pungens is not listed on the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant database as either toxic or non-toxic. No toxic principles have been documented in the genus. Applied as mildly-toxic as a precautionary measure; the spine-tipped leaves also present a physical injury risk if chewed by pets.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats prickly thrift?

Armeria pungens is not listed on the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant database as either toxic or non-toxic. No toxic principles have been documented in the genus. Applied as mildly-toxic as a precautionary measure; the spine-tipped leaves also present a physical injury risk if chewed by 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 prickly thrift.

What should I do if my cat ate prickly thrift?

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 prickly thrift toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Prickly Thrift is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full prickly thrift pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to prickly thrift?

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 prickly thrift pet-safety