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Thimble Cactus
Mammillaria fragilis · Cactaceae
How it looks
The thimble cactus is a small cactus made up of clustered round stems shaped like little thimbles or beads. The stem surface is densely covered with white spines, and small pink or white flowers bloom at the top in spring. Height 2–6 in (5–15 cm), popular as a potted plant.
Thimble Cactus (Mammillaria fragilis) has no known toxicity to cats. Its spines, however, can cause physical injury.
Guide for parents
A safe plant, but the spines can lodge in a mouth or paw, so placement matters. Curious young cats may pat at the spines and end up with a hurt nose or paw pad — keep it on a shelf that's hard to reach. If a spine gets stuck, pull it straight out with tweezers, and if it won't come out easily, have a vet remove it.
Details
- Scientific name
- Mammillaria fragilis
- Common name
- Thimble Cactus
- Family
- Cactaceae
- Source
- ASPCA
Also known as
Related plants
Same plant family· Cactaceae
Other safe flowers
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