Growli
Let's go

Pet safety

Is Prince's feather toxic to cats?

Amaranthus hypochondriacus

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists prince's feather 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. Amaranthus hypochondriacus is not individually listed as toxic by the ASPCA, but the genus Amaranthus includes A. retroflexus (pigweed), which the ASPCA lists as toxic to dogs, cats and horses due to soluble oxalates. The ornamental and grain species of Amaranthus contain oxalates and nitrates, which can cause gastrointestinal and potentially systemic problems in pets and livestock at significant doses. Treat as mildly toxic around pets, discourage access and contact a vet if ingestion is suspected.

What to do if your cat ate prince's feather

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

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

Is prince's feather toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is prince's feather toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists prince's feather 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. Amaranthus hypochondriacus is not individually listed as toxic by the ASPCA, but the genus Amaranthus includes A. retroflexus (pigweed), which the ASPCA lists as toxic to dogs, cats and horses due to soluble oxalates. The ornamental and grain species of Amaranthus contain oxalates and nitrates, which can cause gastrointestinal and potentially systemic problems in pets and livestock at significant doses. Treat as mildly toxic around pets, discourage access and contact a vet if ingestion is suspected.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats prince's feather?

Amaranthus hypochondriacus is not individually listed as toxic by the ASPCA, but the genus Amaranthus includes A. retroflexus (pigweed), which the ASPCA lists as toxic to dogs, cats and horses due to soluble oxalates. The ornamental and grain species of Amaranthus contain oxalates and nitrates, which can cause gastrointestinal and potentially systemic problems in pets and livestock at significant doses. Treat as mildly toxic around pets, discourage access and contact a vet if ingestion is suspected. 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 prince's feather.

What should I do if my cat ate prince's feather?

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 prince's feather toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Prince's feather is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full prince's feather pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to prince's feather?

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 prince's feather pet-safety