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Tree Cactus
Opuntia species · Cactaceae
How it looks
Tree Cactus (Opuntia species) is a cactus that grows as connected, flat round fan- or plate-shaped fleshy stem segments. Each segment is densely covered in stiff spines, and yellow-to-red cup-shaped flowers bloom at the top. Height 12 in-10 ft (30 cm-3 m).
Tree Cactus (Opuntia) has no known toxicity to cats. Its tiny barbed spines (glochids), however, are tricky to remove once embedded, so physical caution is needed.
Guide for parents
The glochids on Tree Cactus are clusters of fine bristles that are nearly invisible. Even for people, they're hard to remove once embedded. Keeping it well out of your cat's reach is the safest choice. If glochids get embedded, remove them using tweezers together with tape, and if they're lodged around the mouth or nose, get veterinary treatment right away.
Details
- Scientific name
- Opuntia species
- Common name
- Tree Cactus
- Family
- Cactaceae
- Source
- ASPCA
Also known as
Related plants
Same plant family· Cactaceae
Other safe flowers
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