Before you put your Christmas cactus out, check to see if it’s poisonous to your cats and dogs, just in case they decide it looks nice and eat it. Is the Christmas cactus poisonous-free for cats and dogs or dogs? The plant itself is not poisoning, but depending on how the plant was cultivated, there might still be a risk to your cat.
Are Christmas Cactus Poisonous to Cats or Dogs?
The short to this question is “no.”
According to the ASPCA, Christmas cactus is not poisonous to cats and dogs, making it a safe plant to have around over the holidays. Chemicals put on the plant throughout its growth, such as pesticides or fertilizers, may, nevertheless, be harmful.
Even if no pesticides were used on the plant, if your pet gets into it, there might be consequences. While not poisonous, eating flowers or stems may cause digestive problems, vomiting, or diarrhea. Also, if your cat has dietary sensitivities, there’s a chance they’ll have an allergic response.
However, if you take measures, your pet should be OK this holiday season.
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The Effects of Christmas Cactus Plants on Pet Health
You don’t need to be concerned if your pet treats Christmas cactus as a treat for the teeth rather than the eyes and chows down appropriately. Christmas cacti are poisonous to dogs and cats and dogs, according to the ASPCA. Neither the cactus nor the blossoms are dangerous to pets. However, according to Margot Vahrenwald, DVM, owner of Park Hill Veterinary Medical Center in Denver, “non-toxic” does not imply “harmless.” “A large amount of fibrous material, while not poisonous,” she continues, “may irritate the stomach and produce vomiting and diarrhea.”
So, if you notice your cat or dog biting into your Christmas cactus or discover bits gone, keep an eye out for indications of gastrointestinal upset. Even if the symptoms are modest, it is still a good idea to contact your veterinarian for assistance on how to best help your pet while he recovers from his poor eating taste.
What Happens If My Dog Eats a Christmas Cactus?
If a nosy feline breaks the stems of your Christmas cactus, you can still salvage the plant! Alternatively, you can propagate new Christmas cactus by “rooting the stems.”
- Let broken stems out for a day or two to allow any broken ends to grow a callus.
- You’ll need to put them in cacti-specific potting soil. Place them in a humid environment, since more humidity will help the stems root. 3.
- You should get the beginnings of a new plant in 3-8 weeks!
Which Other Holiday Plants Are Poisonous to Cats and Dogs?
While a Christmas cactus will not harm your pet, like needles and water from a Christmas tree, Mistletoe, Amaryllis, Poinsettia, Holly, Lilies, and so on. These Christmas plants and flowers can! This Christmas season, keep them out of your dogs’ reach, or better yet, out of your house.
To avoid poisoning your dog or cat, vacuum up loose Christmas tree needles and keep other plants off the floor and out of reach of curious pets, according to the Independent Veterinary Practitioners Association (IVPA). If you have a real tree this year, the IVPA recommends covering the tree water (which may contain dangerous pesticides and fertilizers) so your pet doesn’t drink from it. Consider erecting a Christmas tree pet fence to prevent your dog or cat from reaching the lower branches.
Your Cats and Dogs can Co-exist with Christmas Cactus
Christmas cactus is easy to maintain throughout the year. Because they grow on trees in nature, they make wonderful hanging basket plants.
With this in mind, place your Christmas cactus in a window with plenty of indirect light. Keep the plant away from direct sunlight to avoid scorched foliage.
During the growing season of your Christmas cactus, keep the soil slightly wet. To avoid overwatering, use the soak and dry method.
Conclusion:
Christmas cactus can be tempting to cats and dogs because of its dangling stems and blossoms.
And the Christmas cactus isn’t poisonous to cats and dogs, it can make them sick if chemicals are sprayed on it. So, to keep your pet safe during the holidays, be cautious of the plants you have in your home and keep them out of reach whenever feasible. Christmas cactus, on the other hand, is one of the safest plants you can have this holiday season.
