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.
Questions about Yellow Star Thistle
Is Yellow Star Thistle safe for cats?
The safety of Yellow Star Thistle (Centaurea solstitialis) for cats is currently uncertain. The plant's classification is under review — the original safety label has been flagged as a likely labeler error and is pending curator verification, so a confident verdict cannot be given at this time.
What symptoms might a cat show after eating Yellow Star Thistle?
Specific symptoms for cats that have eaten Yellow Star Thistle are not documented in verified sources. The classification is actively under review following a provenance audit (May 2026), so symptom data cannot be reliably cited. If your cat has eaten this plant, watch for vomiting, lethargy, drooling, or loss of appetite and contact your vet.
What should I do if my cat ate Yellow Star Thistle?
Because Yellow Star Thistle's toxicity classification is currently unverified, treat the ingestion with caution: contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 right away. Bring a sample or photo of the plant if possible to help the vet identify it accurately.
Why is Yellow Star Thistle's classification for cats listed as uncertain?
As of a May 2026 ASPCA provenance audit, the original classification for Yellow Star Thistle was flagged as a likely labeler error and is awaiting curator verification. Until that review is complete, neither a 'non-toxic' nor a 'toxic' label can be confirmed, and the plant should be kept out of reach of cats as a precaution.
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.