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Is Totem Pole Cactus toxic to cats?

Lophocereus schottii 'Monstrosus'

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists totem pole 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. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List. Lophocereus is not individually listed by the ASPCA, and true cacti are not generally classed as systemically toxic; treat with caution and verify with a vet. Being essentially spineless it poses little mechanical risk, but pets should still not be allowed to chew the flesh.

What to do if your cat ate totem pole cactus

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

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

Is totem pole cactus toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is totem pole cactus toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists totem pole 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. Lophocereus is not individually listed by the ASPCA, and true cacti are not generally classed as systemically toxic; treat with caution and verify with a vet. Being essentially spineless it poses little mechanical risk, but pets should still not be allowed to chew the flesh.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats totem pole cactus?

Lophocereus is not individually listed by the ASPCA, and true cacti are not generally classed as systemically toxic; treat with caution and verify with a vet. Being essentially spineless it poses little mechanical risk, but pets should still not be allowed to chew the flesh. 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 totem pole cactus.

What should I do if my cat ate totem pole 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.

Is totem pole cactus toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Totem Pole Cactus is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full totem pole cactus pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to totem pole cactus?

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 totem pole cactus pet-safety