Is a Christmas Cactus Poisonous to Cats?

Winter brings with it a much-anticipated holiday season filled with warmth, decorations, and lively traditions. Many people embrace the spirit of the season by decorating their homes with festive plants, and the Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera bridgesii) is a popular choice.

Known for its unique segmented stems, serrated edges, and vibrant blooms in shades of red, pink, orange, purple, or white, this plant typically flowers in December in the Northern Hemisphere, making it aptly named for this time of year.

Other seasonal succulents, like the Thanksgiving and Easter cactuses, also bring holiday cheer. Although native to Brazil’s humid rainforests, these plants thrive as houseplants and add a tropical touch to indoor spaces, where they may occasionally catch the interest of curious pets.

For those with cats at home, it’s important to understand any potential risks if your feline friends decide to take a nibble (or more).

Is a Christmas Cactus Poisonous to Cats?

The Christmas cactus is generally considered low in toxicity for cats, but it can still cause digestive issues if ingested.

If a cat chews on the plant, the fibrous material can irritate their mouth, throat, and stomach lining, leading to symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, reduced appetite, and lethargy (tiredness). The severity of these symptoms often depends on how much of the plant the cat has eaten.

If a cat consumes a larger portion of the plant, the risk of gastrointestinal blockage—where the stomach or intestines become obstructed by the ingested material—may increase. Blockages can prevent the normal passage of food and liquids, with vomiting often being an early symptom as the body tries to expel the undigested plant material.

Some good news for kitties and pet parents alike: Despite its name, the Christmas cactus is not a “true” cactus and doesn’t have sharp spines like desert varieties. This means there’s no risk of injury from brushing up against the plant or from taking a small nibble. The main concern lies in digestive irritation or blockage if a larger amount of the plant is consumed.

Symptoms of Christmas Cactus Poisoning in Cats

If you suspect that your cat has taken a bite out of your Christmas cactus, keep an eye out for these symptoms:

• Vomiting: Often a response to digestive upset or potential blockage.

• Diarrhea: Can indicate the plant is causing discomfort in the gastrointestinal tract.

• Lethargy: Unusual tiredness may signal that your cat isn’t feeling well.

• Reduced appetite: A sign of stomach discomfort or mild nausea.

• Nausea: Symptoms like drooling or lip-smacking can indicate mild nausea.

These symptoms can appear within a few hours of ingestion. If your cat has eaten only a small piece, these signs may resolve on their own. However, if a larger quantity was ingested, the symptoms could signal a more significant issue.

What Should You Do if Your Cat Eats a Christmas Cactus?

If you discover your cat has eaten any part of a Christmas cactus, it’s best to consult a professional.

Reach out to your veterinarian or the Pet Poison Helpline® at 1-855-764-7761 (available 24/7; $85 incident fee applies). The team of veterinary toxicology experts can help assess the situation based on what and how much your cat ingested

Note: Do not try to induce vomiting at home. This should only be done by a vet, if necessary, to prevent further complications.

If you’re advised to monitor your cat at home, watch carefully for signs of stomach upset or potential obstruction. Vomiting, in particular, may indicate a blockage, which requires immediate veterinary attention.

Even if your cat initially seems fine, symptoms can develop later. So it’s important to stay vigilant and keep a close eye on them for as long as your vet or the Pet Poison Helpline advises.

What Happens if Your Cat Eats a Christmas Cactus?

The veterinary advice you get will help determine whether monitoring at home is sufficient or if a vet visit is needed. Minor ingestion may require only brief observation, while larger amounts might warrant more care.

For cases where a significant amount of cactus was eaten or where troubling symptoms are present, a veterinarian can provide treatments to ease your cat’s discomfort, such as anti-nausea medication or fluids.

In cases of suspected blockage, X-rays may be necessary to check for obstructions caused by the plant material. Fortunately, with prompt care, cats who eat a Christmas cactus generally recover well without long-term effects. Some may need a few days of medication to settle their stomach, but most quickly return to normal on their own.

Other Holiday Plants That Are Poisonous to Cats

Along with the Christmas cactus, there are other popular holiday plants that pet parents should be cautious about:

• Lily: Extremely dangerous for cats, lily poisoning in cats can cause kidney failure, often beginning with vomiting and lethargy.

• Christmas Tree: Oils from fir trees can cause drooling and digestive upset, and needles can lead to obstructions if swallowed.

• Mistletoe: Ingesting mistletoe can lead to drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea. Large amounts can affect the heart and nervous system.

• Holly: Small quantities may cause stomach upset, while larger amounts can lead to significant digestive distress and, in rare cases, trouble walking (a wobbly gait).

• Amaryllis: This plant can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. The bulb, in particular, can lead to low blood pressure and seizures if eaten in large quantities.

• Poinsettia: Though often thought to be highly toxic, poinsettias generally cause only mild stomach upset.

Keeping Your Cat Safe This Holiday Season

While the Christmas cactus poses minimal risk, many other plants commonly found around the holidays can present more serious dangers for cats.

To keep your pet safe, consider placing plants out of reach or opting for decorations that are pet-friendly. This may include investing in a pet gate to keep curious cats out of specific rooms.

If you’re uncertain about a plant’s safety, a quick call to your veterinarian or the Pet Poison Helpline can provide the guidance you need.

By staying aware of potential plant hazards and watching for any signs of ingestion, you can ensure a safe, festive holiday season for both you and your feline companion.