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The holidays are upon us! One aspect of the holidays people enjoy, particularly during Christmas, is breaking out the Christmas greenery—such as the Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera bridgesii). However, plants and pets don’t always make for the best mix.
Before you put out your Christmas cactus (or any other Christmas green), you need to know whether there’s a risk to your pets, just in case they decide it looks tasty and end up chowing down. So, is the Christmas cactus poisonous to cats? Turns out the plant itself is non-toxic, but there could still be a risk to your kitty depending on how the plant was grown and how much they ingest.
What Is Christmas Cactus?
Christmas cactus is a plant native to Brazil known for blooming around December. 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. Plus, this plant produces flowers that are often purple to red in color.
Are Christmas Cacti 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.
Even if no chemicals were used on the plant, there could still be consequences if your pet gets into it. While it isn’t toxic, eating flowers or stems could have side effects such as digestion issues, vomiting, and diarrhea.
If you take precautions, though, your pet should be perfectly safe this holiday season.
How Can I Fix a Christmas Cactus My Cat Damaged?
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”.
First, you’ll lay broken stems out for a day or two to let any broken ends develop a callus. Then, you’ll need to plant them in pots containing potting soil for cacti. Place them in an area that has a lot of humidity, as higher humidity will help the stems root. Then, in 3-8 weeks, you should have the beginnings of a new plant!
What Christmas Plants Are Poisonous to Cats?
Christmas cactus may be non-toxic for cats, but other Christmas plants are very bad for kitty. These include:
- Mistletoe & Holly. Mistletoe contains more than one substance that can be toxic to cats. If your cat decides to make a snack of this plant, you could be looking at a pet with abdominal pain, vomiting, drooling, diarrhea, laboured breathing, drop in blood pressure, low heart rate, cardiovascular shock, or worse. This is one plant that’s best left out of your home.
- Jerusalem Cherry. Jerusalem cherry, or winter cherry, is a part of the nightshade species and can be quite toxic for animals. Your cat eating this plant can result in gastrointestinal issues, diarrhea, respiratory depression, seizures, and shock.
- Lilies. are particularly deadly to cats if ingested. Even eating just a couple of leaves could be fatal for your pet. If your kitty has gotten into this plant, you’ll see vomiting, drooling, lack of appetite, initially increased drinking and urination, which then drastically reduces, and dehydration, which leads to kidney failure if left untreated.
- Fir Christmas Tree. Fir Christmas trees can be harmful to your cat in numerous ways. Not only does the tree contain oils that can cause vomiting and irritate your pet’s mouth, but when eaten, the needles of the tree can cause gastrointestinal damage and obstruction, if a large amount is eaten. That’s not all, though. The water your tree sits in can contain fertilizer, mold, and bacteria that can make your kitty ill after only a couple of sips. If you have a Christmas tree, be sure that it’s blocked off so your cat can’t get in to play.
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.
One of the recognized reasons cats eat grass more specifically is believed to have been a need to reduce the amount of certain intestinal parasites. Today they don’t really need to eat plants to do so since we give them medication that accomplishes this, but it seems to be an ingrained instinct. Big cats in the wild may eat plants to rid their bodies of parasites.
Other reasons cats like to chow down on greenery? The ever-present kitty curiosity, plus boredom. They may also accidentally ingest plant matter in the process of playing with enticing-looking plants.
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. Placing plants in planters you can hang from the ceiling should keep them plenty high enough.
If you aren’t able to keep your plants in hanging planters, then you can try the use of a deterrent spray to keep your cat away. There are plenty you can purchase, but you can also make one from either vinegar and water or citrus juice and water. Spray a bit on the leaves, and hopefully, it will do its job. Just don’t pour any deterrents directly into the pot, as it could cause your plant to die.
When it comes to plants toxic to cats, those should not find their way into your home, as your cat may find a way to get them. If you think your cat may have nibbled on a toxic plant, contact your vet immediately.
Conclusion
Christmas cactus isn’t a poisonous plant for cats, but it can still make them ill if they eat too much or if it’s treated with fertilizers or other chemicals. 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.
Featured Image Credit: EleniaPhoto, Shutterstock
