Although the Christmas cactus is not poisonous to cats, it can cause vomiting and diarrhea if your pet ingests it. The Christmas cactus (also known as the Thanksgiving cactus or Easter cactus) is a popular holiday plant, but it’s important to keep it out of reach of curious cats. All parts of the plant are toxic to cats, and even a small amount can make your pet sick. If you suspect your cat has eaten any part of a Christmas cactus, contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) immediately.
No, Christmas cactus is not harmful to cats.
How do you keep cats away from Christmas cactus?
You can keep your plants safe from pests by making a few home remedies with vinegar, orange, lemon, cayenne pepper or chili pepper. Sprinkle pepper on your succulents or mix it with water and spray it on your plants. The same can be done with citrus fruits; take diluted lemon or orange juice or white vinegar.
If your dog or cat ingests the Christmas cactus (or Easter cactus), don’t worry – it is not toxic to them. However, the plant’s fibrous material can cause irritation to the stomach and intestine, leading to vomiting or diarrhea. If your pet experiences any of these symptoms, please take them to the vet immediately.
What happens if a cat bites a cactus
If you think your cat has eaten a succulent, watch for symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea. If the plant was Euphorbia or kalanchoe, your cat may also have hypersalivation and oral irritation. These effects are usually immediate, and can even cause eye irritation if there is contact with the plant. If you are concerned, take your cat to the vet for an examination.
Cactus are not toxic if consumed, but their sharp spines make them hazardous to pets all the same. Take particular care with members of the Opuntia (Prickly Pear) genus.
Do cats like to eat Christmas cactus?
If your pet ingests any part of this plant, they may experience diarrhea, vomiting, or nausea. While serious toxicity is not expected, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and contact your veterinarian or the pet poison helpline if you have any concerns.
Citrus fruits like lemons, limes, and oranges contain a chemical called limonene that gives them their characteristic smell. This same chemical is also found in many commercial cat deterrents. Because of this, spraying diluted citrus juice on your plants can help keep cats away. You can also buy commercial cat deterrents that contain limonene.
What Christmas plants are safe for cats?
I think that some good plant choices for the home are Christmas cactus, African violet, Phalanopsis orchid, Bromeliad (Neoregalia), Rose, Boston fern, Peperomia, and Prayer plant (Calathea). I like these plants because they are all relatively easy to care for and they add a lot of beauty to any space.
You can actually move Christmas cacti outside during the summer—they’ll love the humidity! Just be sure to keep them in a protected, shady area (you could even hang them among the tree branches for a landscape surprise) and don’t let pots sit in water after a heavy rain.
Where do you keep a Christmas cactus in your house
Holiday cacti need partial shade and a temperature between 70 and 80 degrees in order to grow best. Place them in an east or west facing window for optimal growth.
The Zebra Haworthia, also known as the Zebra Cactus, is reported to be safe for cats and easy to grow. This plant is known for its aloe-like appearance, and its zebra-striped leaves make it a unique and eye-catching addition to any home. If you’re looking for a plant that is both beautiful and low-maintenance, the Zebra Haworthia is a great option.
Why is my cat obsessed with my cactus?
There are a couple of reasons why cats chew on plants. For one, it’s innate. Just like how our canine friends like to chew on bones, cats like to chew on plants. It’s really much easier to get rid of the plant than to get rid of the chewing habit. Plus, there will be no more “getting on to” your kitty and no more seeing how much of a bite your cat can “get away with” before you notice.
If you’re looking for succulents and cacti that are safe to have around your beloved pets, here are 15 great options:
Echeveria: Echeveria Setosa var Echeveria Elegans (Mexican Snowballs), Echeveria Pulvinata (Plush Plant or Ruby Blush)
Aeoniums: Aeonium ‘Kiwi’, Aeonium Arboreum ‘Zwartkop’ (Black Rose), Aeonium Canariense (Giant Velvet Rose)
Is spider plant toxic to cats
According to both the ASPCA and the National Capital Poison Center, spider plants are non-toxic to both cats and dogs. This is good news for pet owners who want to add a little greenery to their home without having to worry about their pets getting sick.
If you have cats or dogs, it’s important to be aware that certain succulents can be toxic to them. This includes Aloe Vera, Crassula (Jade), Euphorbia (such as Pencil Cactus or Crown of Thorns), Kalanchoe, and Sansevieria (Snake Plant). If your pet ingests any of these plants, it could make them very sick, so it’s best to keep them away from your succulents.
Is Aloe Vera plant toxic to cats?
Aloe juice and pulp can be used to treat a variety of conditions in people, but it is highly toxic to cats. Always keep aloe plants away from cats, like on your refrigerator or in your bedroom. You can also spray the plants with vinegar to make them less tasty to curious felines who find them.
If you have a cat, it’s best to avoid using fir, spruce, and pine trees for the holidays, as the needles from these trees are mildly toxic to cats if they eat them. Needles can cause gastrointestinal upset and irritation to the mouth due to the oils, so it’s best to keep them away from your feline friend.
Final Words
There is no definitive answer, as some cats may be more sensitive than others to the Christmas cactus. If you are concerned, it is best to err on the side of caution and keep your cat away from the plant.
Although Christmas cacti are not poisonous to cats, they can still cause stomach upset if ingested. If you have a Christmas cactus and a cat, it’s best to keep the plant out of reach of your feline friend.
