Food safety

Can Cats Eat Cactus?

Not recommended — Cactus for cats.

Not recommended

Why: Most true cacti are not chemically toxic, but the spines can injure the mouth, throat and stomach. Some succulents sold as cacti are toxic. There is no reason for a cat to eat cactus — keep spiny plants out of reach.

If your cat ate cactus: Check the mouth for spines and watch for drooling, pawing at the mouth or vomiting. If your cat ate a large amount or a plant you cannot identify, call your vet.

Related: Carnations, Lilies, Slugs

Why this verdict

Most true cacti are not chemically toxic, but the spines can injure the mouth, throat and stomach. Some succulents sold as cacti are toxic. There is no reason for a cat to eat cactus — keep spiny plants out of reach.

If your cat ate cactus

Check the mouth for spines and watch for drooling, pawing at the mouth or vomiting. If your cat ate a large amount or a plant you cannot identify, call your vet.

Related foods

Carnations, Lilies, Slugs

Check another food

Back to the Food-Safety Checker to check all 90 foods, or see the beginner feeding guide and the feeding estimator.

Before you use the result

Use the result as a starting point for observation and planning. Cats vary by age, body condition, temperament, medical history, and household setup.

Sources: ASPCA Animal Poison Control — People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, and the Cornell Feline Health Center — Feeding Your Cat. Chocolate toxicity figures are approximate values from the Merck Veterinary Manual. If your cat ate something on the toxic list, call your veterinarian or ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435.