Houseplant
Is Kalanchoe toxic to cats and dogs?
Kalanchoe blossfeldiana, Kalanchoe species · also called Flaming Katy, mother of millions, devil’s backbone
Cats
ToxicDogs
ToxicKalanchoe is toxic to cats and dogs. Most pets only vomit, but the plant contains heart toxins, and large amounts can cause an abnormal heart rhythm.
By Maya HartIf your pet chewed it
- Call your vet or a pet poison helpline, tell them the plant name (a photo helps) and how much was chewed.
- Rinse your pet’s mouth with water and remove any plant material from the fur.
Signs to watch for
- Vomiting and diarrhoea
- Drooling
- Lethargy
- Abnormal heart rhythm (rare, large amounts)
What is harmful
- Parts
- All parts, especially flowers
- Substance
- Bufadienolides (cardiac glycosides)
The details
Flaming Katy is sold everywhere as an easy, colourful succulent and makes a common gift. Serious poisoning is rare, but because the toxins are similar to those in foxglove, a vet should be consulted if a pet ate more than a nibble. Mother-of-millions varieties, which drop plantlets, are harder to keep tidy around pets.
Pet-safe alternatives
Questions owners ask
Is Kalanchoe toxic to cats?
Yes — toxic to cats. Harmful parts: all parts, especially flowers.
Is Kalanchoe toxic to dogs?
Yes — toxic to dogs. Harmful parts: all parts, especially flowers.
What happens if a pet eats kalanchoe?
vomiting and diarrhoea, drooling, lethargy, abnormal heart rhythm (rare, large amounts).
What should I do if my pet chewed it?
Call your vet or a pet poison helpline, tell them the plant name (a photo helps) and how much was chewed. Rinse your pet’s mouth with water and remove any plant material from the fur.
What are pet-safe alternatives to kalanchoe?
Spider plant, Boston fern, Calathea (prayer plant), Areca palm, Moth orchid.
Sources
Tailwise is for general information and is reviewed by veterinary professionals, but it is not a substitute for advice from your own vet, who knows your pet. How we check facts
