Cats
UncertainIdentity or evidence quality is not strong enough for a firm answer.
Verified against ASPCA/provenance audit 2026-05-06 on May 6, 2026.
cat safety reference
Is Yellow Star Thistle safe for cats?
Centaurea solstitialis
Barnaby's Thistle is a hardy, spiny annual plant often found in open fields and meadows. While generally considered non-toxic, its fibrous nature can occasionally cause minor digestive discomfort if consumed in large quantities.
Centaurea solstitialisSt. Barnaby's ThistleYellow Star Thistle
- Light
- Full sun
- Habit
- Upright, branching annual
- Care
- Low
Safety status
What this means for your cat
Cats are not the species at risk from Yellow Star Thistle. ASPCA's Barnaby's Thistle entry lists Centaurea solstitialis as non-toxic to cats — the famous "chewing disease" caused by this plant is a horse-only neurologic syndrome, not a feline one. A spiny inflorescence is more likely to be a mouth-irritation hazard than a poisoning one.
Sources: ASPCA.
If a pet has chewed or swallowed plant material and is showing symptoms, contact a veterinarian or poison resource immediately. This product is for structured reference, not diagnosis.
Cats — concern notes
Common signs
Under review — original classification flagged as a likely labeler error pending curator verification.
Escalation note
Under review — original classification flagged as a likely labeler error pending curator verification.
Safer alternatives
No hand-picked alternatives for this plant yet. You can still pick your own using the Compare button on any other plant.
Source evidence
NC State Extension Plant Toolbox
botanical · 94% reliability
Centaurea solstitialis is an annual plant in the Asteraceae family, commonly known as yellow star thistle.
Same cat verdict
Related plants for cats
Blue Bead Lily
Clintonia borealis
Clintonia borealis is a woodland perennial known for its glossy leaves and striking blue berries. While generally considered safe for pets, it is not intended for consumption.
Uncertain for cats & dogs.
Blue-dicks
Dichelostemma pulchellum
Dichelostemma pulchellum is a cormous perennial wildflower native to western North America, known for its clusters of violet-blue, tubular flowers. It is considered non-toxic to pets, though its fibrous nature may cause minor digestive discomfort if consumed in large quantities.
Uncertain for cats & dogs.
Creeping Rubus
Rubus pedatus
Creeping Rubus is a low-growing, mat-forming perennial groundcover known for its delicate foliage and trailing habit. It is considered non-toxic to pets, though ingestion of large amounts of fibrous plant material may cause mild digestive discomfort.
Uncertain for cats & dogs.
Dichelostemma
Dichelostemma species
Dichelostemma is a genus of flowering corms in the asparagus family known for their unique, tubular, cluster-forming blooms. They are considered non-toxic to pets, though their fibrous nature may cause minor digestive discomfort if consumed in large quantities.
Uncertain for cats & dogs.