What happens if a cat eats a Christmas cactus?
When your cat eats a Christmas cactus, your first concern should be the health of the cat. Is Christmas cactus bad for cats? The answer depends on how you grow your plants. According to the ASPCA plant database, Christmas cactus is not toxic or poisonous to cats, but insecticides and other chemicals used on the plant may be toxic.
Is Christmas cactus poisonous to dogs?
The answer is technically no – Christmas cactus is not poisonous to dogs, and you can keep the plant around them. There are, however, some guidelines for pet owners to follow, just as there are for all other safe/unsafe plants. The Christmas season is a highly hectic time, and you must consider your dog’s safety.
How do you keep a cat out of a cactus?
One of the best ways to keep the cat out of a Christmas cactus is to plant it in a hanging basket. Hang the basket where the cat can’t reach it, even with a well-executed and carefully planned jump. When the cat breaks stems off of your Christmas cactus, you make new plants by rooting the stems.
Is a Christmas cactus a good gift for cats?
Unlike its desert-dwelling cousins, Christmas cactus doesn’t have the formidable spikes usually associated with cacti, making it a friendly addition to your houseplant collection. Are you wondering if it’s safe to gift a Christmas cactus to your best crazy-cat-lady friend or thinking about welcoming one into your own feline-filled home?
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What happens if a cat eats Christmas cactus?
According to the ASPCA, this plant is nontoxic to cats, dogs, and horses. However, that doesn't mean that kitty can munch on the stems and flowers with no ill-effects. The pet poison helpline says that “serious toxicity is not expected,” but diarrhea, vomiting, and nausea may occur if any part of the plant is ingested.
Why is my cat eating my cactus?
Craving for different textures. The cat mostly eats meat, and the texture of your cactus may appear appealing. Your cat may want to bite on the plant to experience how it feels.
Is Christmas cactus toxic?
The Christmas cactus is not poisonous to humans or cats and dogs. That is not to say you should go feeding your dog Christmas cactus leaves, however. The fibrous plant material of the cactus can cause vomiting and diarrhea in mass quantities.
Is cactus harmful to cats?
Cactus are not toxic if consumed, but their sharp spines make them hazardous to pets all the same.
How do you keep cats out of Christmas cactus?
For some cats, cayenne pepper sprinkled liberally over the plant and the soil acts as a deterrent. Pet stores sell a number of commercial cat deterrents. One of the best ways to keep the cat out of a Christmas cactus is to plant it in a hanging basket.
What animal eats Christmas cactus?
Cactus is a delicacy to a variety of rodents, including rats, gophers and ground squirrels.
Are Christmas plants poisonous to cats?
Toxicity to pets During the holidays, poinsettias are a popular Christmas plant. Though they have a bad rap, poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima) plants are only mildly toxic to cats and dogs. The milky white sap found in poinsettias contains chemicals called diterpenoid euphorbol esters and saponin-like detergents.
What Christmas plants are safe for cats?
Some good choices are:Christmas cactus.African violet.Phalanopsis orchid.Bromeliad (Neoregalia)Rose.Boston fern.Peperomia.Prayer plant (Calathea)More items...•
Are any succulents toxic to cats?
Many succulents in the euphorbia genus, such as the pencil cactus and crown of thorns, are poisonous to both cats and dogs. Symptoms of poisoning from ingesting this succulent range from gastrointestinal upset to skin and eye irritation.
What cacti are safe for cats?
Holiday Cactus Holiday cacti, including Thanksgiving cactus, Christmas cactus, and Easter cactus, are all safe to keep indoors around pets. These easy-to-care-for succulents are excellent pet-friendly houseplants to add a bit of color to your holiday decor.
Do cats hate cactus?
Cactus, miniature roses and other prickly or thorny plants also seem to deter cats.
Is aloe vera toxic to cats?
Aloe vera is a common household plant, not because of its attraction but because of its health benefits. Aloe juice and pulp can be used to treat a variety of conditions in people, but it is highly toxic to cats.
What Is Christmas Cactus?
The Christmas cactus–also called crab cactus, Thanksgiving cactus, or holiday cactus–is a member of the (surprise!) the cactus family. Although most people associate cacti with the desert, the Christmas cactus is actually a tropical plant that prefers a humid environment and moist soil.
A Cat-Friendly Cactus
The Christmas cactus is listed as non-toxic to cats by the Animal Poison Control database. While this may reassure you that your cat won’t be seriously harmed if they chew on a Christmas cactus, you should still take precautions, especially if your cat is a dedicated plant-eater.
What About Other Holiday Plants?
While you can feel relatively safe adding Christmas cacti to your holiday decor, the same isn’t true for some other well-known festive plants. Here are some winter holiday plants you should avoid if you have cats.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a unique and colorful plant to gift the cat lover in your life, a Christmas cactus is an excellent option thanks to its non-toxic nature. Make sure the plant isn’t treated with any pesticides or fertilizers, however.
What is the Christmas cactus?
Christmas Cactus ( Schlumbergera x buckleyi or sometimes mistakenly known as Schlumbergera bridgesii) is one of the 6-9 cacti in the genus Schlumbergera ( Zygocactus, Epiphyllum, Opuntiopsis or Zygocereus) in the cacti family, Cactaceae. The other famous one is the Thanksgiving cactus ( Schlumbergera truncata ).
What is the name of the cactus that grows in a 4 inch pot?
The other famous one is the Thanksgiving cactus ( Schlumbergera truncata ). While the W hitsun cactus or Easter cactus ( Hatiora gaertneri ) was also in this genus, they were moved to Hatiora. Buy It: Red Christmas Cactus Plant in a 4″ Pot, $7.79, Amazo n.
Can you take care of a Christmas cactus with a cat?
As you have seen, despite being very charming, and cat-safe caring for your Christmas cactus isn’t a walk in the park . If you find it too challenging, consider alternative cat-friendly houseplants like: Bromeliad plant. Echeveria glauca. Staghorn fern.
Can cactus cause ataxia in cats?
While not considered a serious threat, they may cause ataxia in cats if ingested that will be short-lived.
Can you propagate a Christmas cactus?
While you can quickly propaga te them, caring for them is not so easy.
Is a Christmas cactus dangerous for dogs?
However, you need to know that what is marketed as “Christmas cactus” and sometimes “Easter cactus” is the Thanksgiving cactus (S chlumbergera truncata), synonymous known as Zygocactus truncata and not Schlumbergera x buckleyi. Nevertheless, it is not harmful or dangerous for your cat, dog, or horse. However, there have been reports of type I ...
What Is Christmas Cactus?
Christmas cactus is a plant native to Brazil known for blooming around Christmastime. Because it’s a tropical cactus, it looks a bit different than the stereotypical desert cactus you’re probably imagining. There are similarities, but this cactus actually has stems that arch when they grow, making it look like a crab.
Are Christmas Cactus Poisonous to Cats?
Christmas cactus is not poisonous to your cats, according to the ASPCA, making it a safe plant to have around during Christmas. However, chemicals used on the plant during growing, like insecticides or fertilizers, may very well be.
How Can I Fix a Christmas Cactus My Cat Broke?
If your Christmas cactus gets its stems broken off by a curious kitty, you can still save the plant! Or, rather, you can make new Christmas cacti by doing what’s called “ rooting the stems ”.
What Christmas Plants Are Poisonous to Cats?
Christmas cactus may be non-toxic for cats, but there are other Christmas plants that are very bad for kitty. These include:
Why Do Cats Eat Plants Anyway?
If cats are carnivores, why do they eat plants anyway? There are a handful of reasons our feline friends get into our greens.
How Can I Keep My Cat Away From Plants?
Now you know what to keep your cats away from this Christmas, but the question remains — how do you keep them away? Cats like to get into everything they can get their tiny paws on, so keeping them away from specific items can be difficult. The best and easiest way to keep your pets away from toxic greenery is to keep the plants far out of reach.
Conclusion
Christmas cactus isn’t a poisonous plant for cats, but it can still make them ill if chemicals were used on it. So, keep your pet safe during the holidays by being careful with what plants you have in your home and keeping things out of reach when possible. But, overall, Christmas cactus is one of the safer plants you can have this Christmas.
Where do Christmas cactus live?
Epiphytes don’t need a soil based medium to live in but can survive in tree crotches and rocky depressions where organic material has collected and composted down to a rich humic base.
What is the color of the Christmas cactus?
The bright salmon to red flowers and intricate pads are characteristic of the Christmas cacti, which tends to bloom around Christmas and gives them their name. The plant is not a true cactus, however, but an epiphyte. It needs bright light and well-drained soil, with moderate water needs.
Do Christmas cacti bloom in the winter?
Image by Joanna R. Protz via GKH Scavenger Hunt. Christmas cacti are common gifts around the holidays. They tend to bloom in the winter, with showy flowers present for friends and family to admire as they attend winter festivities. The presence of small children and pets at family functions reminds us that not all plants are safe.
Is it safe to have a Christmas cactus in your house?
Mistletoe , holly (berries) and poinsettia are also common during the winter holidays and do have some toxic components, but it is safe to have the Christmas cactus in your home.
Can a Christmas cactus be used as a pet?
Christmas cactus and pets can coexist in harmony in the home but preventive measures on other holiday plants should be taken. Place plants, such as poinsettia, up high where animals can’t reach them. If the family pet is especially persistent, spray the plant with cayenne pepper dissolved in water.
Why do cats eat grass?
Recent research suggests that carnivores, including domestic cats, eat grass and other plant matter to rid themselves of internal parasites. Wild felines, such as lions, often have a high worm burden and eating non-digestible, fibrous plant matter can help to expel these from the intestines.
When will cats and houseplants be lethal?
March 22, 2021. December 16, 2020 by Clare Groom. As anyone who has had the misfortune of rushing their precious pet to the veterinarian with kidney failure can attest, houseplants and cats can be a potentially lethal combination. And the holiday season can cause even more headaches for pet parents, with dazzling amaryllis flowers, ...
What to do if your cat has a puss?
If you have a particularly curious or playful puss, consider placing your Christmas cactus somewhere out of reach. “Out of reach” can obviously mean different things to different cats. When you have kittens shimmying up the curtains, the only place “out of reach” may be “out of the house,” and in these cases, you need to provide something more ...
Is Christmas cactus poisonous to cats?
Even though Christmas cactus isn’t poisonous, other holiday decor may cause issues for your cats. Tinsel, ribbons, and small ornaments can cause major damage to the feline digestive system. Thankfully, another holiday favorite, the poinsettia plant is not toxic, in spite of its reputation. Amaryllis, however, is toxic, according to the ASPCA.
Is Christmas Cactus Poisonous To Children or Babies?
Due to its susceptible features, a Christmas cactus requires an indoor environment. The stems and leaves cannot be exposed to sunlight. It should only be stored in a room with constant humidity and limited temperature.
Are Christmas Cacti Poisonous to Dogs and Cats?
The usual thing to be considered when taking care of an indoor plant is the harm it can cause to your pets. Some pets are eating Christmas cacti. But no report has shown that they have died because of it.
Precautionary measures are still recommended
With the facts presented above stating that the Christmas cactus toxicity level is zero, it is still essential to take extra precautionary measures when you place any plants inside your home.
What Is Christmas Cactus?
A Cat-Friendly Cactus
- The Christmas cactus is listed as non-toxic to cats by the Animal Poison Controldatabase. While this may reassure you that your cat won’t be seriously harmed if they chew on a Christmas cactus, you should still take precautions, especially if your cat is a dedicated plant-eater. Christmas cacti are fibrous, dense plants, and if your cat ingests lar...
What About Other Holiday Plants?
- While you can feel relatively safe adding Christmas cacti to your holiday decor, the same isn’t true for some other well-known festive plants. Here are some winter holiday plantsyou should avoid if you have cats.
Conclusion
- If you’re looking for a unique and colorful plant to gift the cat lover in your life, a Christmas cactus is an excellent option thanks to its non-toxic nature. Make sure the plant isn’t treated with any pesticides or fertilizers, however. With proper precautions, cats and Christmas cacti can both coexist and combine to lift the mood of their owners, especially during the dreary winter months…