Is Christmas Cactus Safe for Cats?

Schlumbergera

Schlumbergera species are listed as non-toxic to cats. They are a reasonable festive plant in a home with cats, in contrast to poinsettia, holly, mistletoe and amaryllis.

The caveat is the same as for any pot plant: the compost, the fertiliser and the decorative pot pose more risk than the plant.

What to watch for in the UK

• A classic November-to-January houseplant.
• A good swap for amaryllis or poinsettia at Christmas.
• Overwatering kills it, which matters because a sick plant attracts investigation.
• Keep the pot off the floor if the cat is a digger.

If your cat has already chewed it

1. Nothing to do.
2. If the cat has eaten fertiliser or soil, phone your vet.

Take a photo of the plant, and a cutting if you can do it safely — identification is half of the vet's decision. Out of hours, use your practice's emergency number. This page explains risk; it cannot diagnose your cat and it contains no home treatments.

If your cat has vomited after eating a plant, see the cat vomiting guide and, if there is blood, vomiting blood. For a general red-flag checklist, use sick cat symptoms. If the worry is food rather than a plant, the can cats eat guide covers 36 everyday foods.

Related plants

Browse the full UK plant checklist (72 plants).