Cats
Generally safeConsulted references do not classify the plant as toxic for that pet type, while still allowing for mild GI upset if large amounts are chewed.
Verified against ASPCA/provenance audit 2026-05-06 on May 6, 2026.
Sources
cat safety reference
Is Carrion Flower safe for cats?
Stapelia hirsuta
Also known as Smilax herbacea
Stapelia hirsuta is a unique succulent known for its star-shaped, hairy flowers that emit a faint odor to attract pollinators. It is considered safe for households with pets, though its fibrous stems may cause minor digestive discomfort if consumed in large quantities.
Carrion FlowerHairy Starfish FlowerHerbaceous Carrion FlowerSmilax herbaceaSmooth Carrion FlowerStapelia hirsataStapelia hirsuta
- Light
- Bright indirect light
- Habit
- Succulent
- Care
- Low
Safety status
What this means for your cat
Carrion flower is safe for cats — the ASPCA lists Stapelia hirsuta (the hairy toad plant) as non-toxic. The plant's signature rotten-meat scent usually deters curious cats well before any sustained chewing.
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
None expected; however, ingestion of large amounts of fibrous plant material may cause mild vomiting or diarrhea.
Escalation note
Generally considered non-toxic. If your cat consumes a significant portion of the plant and exhibits persistent gastrointestinal distress, contact your veterinarian.
Bring it home
Carrion Floweris generally pet-safe in ordinary household exposure. If you’d like one for your space, here’s a starting point.
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Source evidence
ASPCA Toxic Plant List
toxicology · 99% reliability
The Carrion Flower is listed as non-toxic to both cats and dogs.
Plants of the World Online - Stapelia hirsuta
botanical · 95% reliability
Accepted botanical classification and distribution data for Stapelia hirsuta.
Questions about Carrion Flower
Is Carrion Flower (Stapelia hirsuta) toxic to cats?
Carrion Flower is considered non-toxic to cats. According to provenance data verified against the ASPCA registry, it is classified as generally safe for households with cats.
What happens if my cat eats a Carrion Flower plant?
No toxic symptoms are expected. If your cat eats a large amount of the fibrous stems, it may experience mild vomiting or diarrhea from the plant material itself, not from any toxic compound.
Should I call my vet if my cat chewed on a Carrion Flower?
A small nibble is unlikely to cause any harm, but if your cat consumed a significant portion of the plant and shows persistent vomiting or diarrhea, contact your veterinarian. Non-toxic does not mean harmless in quantity.
Which part of the Carrion Flower is most likely to upset my cat's stomach?
The fibrous stems are the most likely culprit for GI upset — not because they are poisonous, but because large amounts of tough plant fiber can irritate a cat's digestive tract and trigger vomiting or loose stools.
Same cat verdict
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