If your pet considers Christmas cactus to be a treat for the teeth instead of the eyes and chows down accordingly, you don’t need to panic. The ASPCA lists Christmas cacti as non-toxic for both dogs and cats―neither the cactus nor the flowers are poisonous to pets.
What To Do if Your Cat Eats a Christmas Cactus?
Contact your veterinarian right away if you see your cat consuming a Christmas cactus to see if the quantity they ingested could be harmful.
Although eating a Christmas cactus is unlikely to be toxic, if your cat eats a significant amount of the fibrous, indigestible portion of the plant, they may develop an intestinal blockage.
Make sure your cat is eating and going to the bathroom on a regular basis by keeping a close eye on their food intake. If you have other cats in the house, keep the cat in a different room with their own food, water, and litter box.
Contact your veterinarian immediately if your cat exhibits any of the following symptoms: decreased or absent appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, irregular bowel movements, or lethargy.
Why Do Cats Eat Houseplants?
Because they are obligate carnivores, cats cannot survive on a diet solely composed of plant-based foods. However, as any parent of a cat understands all too well, our pets will gladly graze on grass, houseplants, and other vegetables.
Evidence of this is frequently found on our carpets or in convenient locations where we can walk right into it.
Recent research suggests that carnivores, including domestic cats, eat grass and other plant matter to rid themselves of internal parasites.
Eating fibrous, indigestible plant matter can aid in the expulsion of worms from the intestines, which is beneficial for wild cats like lions who frequently have a high worm burden.
Naturally, our kitties haven’t received the memo that this is taken care of for them by those awful pills we force down their throats every three months.
Your pet may become interested in your houseplants due to boredom, curiosity, or playfulness. During play, they might bite and accidentally swallow some of them, even if they are not intentionally eating them.
You can stop your cat from using your houseplants as entertainment by giving them lots of alternative toys and enrichment. But not always.
If your puss is especially playful or inquisitive, you might want to put your Christmas cactus out of reach.
It is evident that different cats will interpret “out of reach” differently.
If your kittens are shimmying up the curtains, the only thing that’s “out of reach” might be “out of the house.” In these situations, you should give them something more engaging to play with.
How To Keep Cats Safe During the Holiday Season
Use less toxic plants to decorate your home with during the holidays to keep your cat safe and prevent them from experiencing unnecessary stress. Examples of these plants are orchids and Christmas cactuses.
Even better, give your cat some attractive foliage, like catnip or cat grass. Recall that the amount your cat consumes determines the toxicity level if they are a big eater. If consumed in excess, even non-toxic plants can upset the stomach.
Take out any real plants from inside your home if your cat isn’t going to stop eating them. Consult your veterinarian about whether your cat’s habit of grazing on plants is excessive. Make sure your cat cannot reach any potentially toxic plants you decide to bring inside your house. Make sure your cat is not eating the plants by keeping a careful watch on them.
Think about using wall or hanging planters and positioning potted plants high on shelves that are difficult to reach. Watch your cat closely around your Christmas tree. If your cat appears to be eating or mouthing the ribbon or tinsel, do not use it. If you like lilies, stick to less dangerous varieties.
You can enjoy the holidays and keep your cat safe with a little extra care and prevention.
Gwaltney-Brant S. DVM 360. Toxicology of plants (Proceedings). August 2009.
Pet Poison Helpline. Top 10 Plants Poisonous to Pets.
Featured : iStock.com/skhoward
Gwaltney-Brant S. DVM 360. Toxicology of plants (Proceedings). August 2009.
Pet Poison Helpline. Top 10 Plants Poisonous to Pets.
Featured : iStock.com/skhoward
Dr. The University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine awarded Melissa Boldan her degree in 2012. She initially practiced mixed animal.
FAQ
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