Is Spike heath toxic to cats?

No — spike heath is listed by the ASPCA as non-toxic to cats. It is a sensible choice for a home with a cat; a curious nibble will not poison them, though no plant is meant to be eaten. Bruckenthalia spiculifolia is a monotypic genus in Ericaceae, closely related to Erica. It is not individually listed by ASPCA. Unlike many Ericaceae (which contain grayanotoxins), Erica species themselves are generally considered low-toxicity, and no grayanotoxin or other toxic principle has been reported for Bruckenthalia in toxicological literature. On current evidence it poses minimal risk to pets, though as with any plant, ingestion of large quantities may cause mild gastrointestinal upset.

Yes — the ASPCA lists spike heath as non-toxic to cats and dogs. A cat that chews a large amount of any foliage can still get a mild, brief stomach upset, so discourage grazing, but it will not be poisoned.

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Spike heath is non-toxic to dogs as well. See the full spike heath pet-safety guide for both species.

Reliable ASPCA non-toxic picks for a cat home include spider plant, calathea, parlor palm, peperomia, and most true ferns. Browse the best cats-safe plants list to check more before you buy.