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When the holidays roll around and you're decorating your home with festive plants, you might wonder whether that beautiful Christmas cactus poses any danger to your curious cat or dog. The good news? Christmas cactus is one holiday plant that won't land you on the naughty list with your veterinarian.
Unlike many popular holiday plants, Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera) is completely non-toxic to dogs and cats. This makes it a pet-friendly choice for adding some natural greenery to your seasonal decorations. You can display these lovely succulents with their vibrant pink, red or white blooms without worrying about serious health risks to your furry family members.
Even though Christmas cactus isn't poisonous, it could still pose a problem for some pets. "The leaves of the Christmas cactus can irritate the digestive tract and pets can develop mild gastrointestinal signs like vomiting or diarrhea," Dr. Aliya McCullough, Fetch's Chief Veterinary Officer, explains. "Generally, these symptoms are likely to resolve on their own after a short period of time."
Your pet might also seem a bit tired or less interested in their regular meals for a day or so. Think of it like when you eat something that doesn't quite agree with you — uncomfortable but not dangerous.
If you catch your pet sampling your Christmas cactus, don't panic. First, remove any remaining plant pieces from their mouth and take the plant out of reach. Then, observe your pet's behavior over the next few hours.
Most pets who've had a small taste will be perfectly fine. Keep an eye out for any vomiting, diarrhea or unusual lethargy. Make sure they have access to fresh water, and you might want to offer smaller, more frequent meals if they seem queasy.
While Christmas cactus isn't toxic, you should still reach out to your vet if your pet ate a large amount of the plant or if they're showing persistent symptoms. Signs that warrant a call include repeated vomiting, diarrhea lasting more than 24 hours, complete loss of appetite or extreme lethargy.
For peace of mind, you can also contact the pet poison control helpline (855.764.7661). They're available 24/7 and can provide guidance specific to your pet's situation. Having this number saved in your phone is always a smart move for any pet parent.
Even with pet-safe plants like Christmas cactus, prevention is your best strategy. Place plants on high shelves or in rooms your pets don't frequent. You might also consider using deterrent sprays designed to keep pets away from houseplants — these are safe but have a taste pets find unpleasant.
For particularly persistent plant-chewers, providing appropriate alternatives can help. Cat grass or pet-safe herbs give your furry friends something they're actually allowed to nibble on, which might reduce their interest in your decorative plants.
The Dig, Fetch Pet Insurance's expert-backed editorial, answers all of the questions you forget to ask your vet or are too embarrassed to ask at the dog park. We help make sure you and your best friend have more good days, but we’re there on bad days, too.
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