Vet Explains Pets is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. safety things you must consider about this plant (and many other plants in general) to ensure that your pup doesn't pose any danger to himself around It isn’t even spiny, so you don’t have to worry about sharp pointy things hurting mouthy dogs and curious cats. Permission is needed to use any material on Vet Explains Pets. Like other plants, the Christmas cactus can fall victim to insect problems and disease. The Christmas cactus (and the very similar-looking Thanksgiving cactus) do not look like your typical-looking cactus. If you suspect your pet is sick, call your vet immediately. In this article, we are trying to explain how safe it is to place a Christmas cactus anywhere around your home.Lets try to see if the Christmas cactus is harmful to humans and animals. 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. Those clicks help support this website at absolutely no cost to you. Most of the popular houseplants are cultivars of Schlumbergera, rather than species, with flowers in white, pink, yellow, orange, red or purple. Answering Whether Or Not The Christmas Cactus Is Poisonous within Christmas Cactus … Is a Christmas cactus poisonous to cats? This plant does not contain any toxic ingredients. What Is The Best Christmas Cactus Fertilizer? Though the Christmas cactus is not harmful, it can still cause vomiting when eaten by dogs and cats. Fly Free Boomer, we will forever love you. It is a resource for those with questions pertaining to pets. Growing Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera Bridgesii) For The Best Blooms with regard to Christmas Cactus Poisonous. The diet of every dog breed will very when you are looking into a healthy and complete diet for your pup. The Christmas cactus is one of the pot plants commonly reared in homesteads but is considered poisonous to dogs. Cats and christmas trees poisonous. If you are worried or concerned over a specific plant’s toxicity, contact your local vet immediately. Many indoor plants have been found to contain toxins that are harmful to the family’s health. This is one of the non-toxin plants that can be placed inside your home. Copyright © 2020 Vet Explains Pets on the Foodie Pro Theme. We shall also highlight some of the cacti species that are poisonous. Yes, they certainly do, and they enjoy every single bite. If your dog is allergic and the plant is ingested, the dog’s body may treat the ingested plant as a severe allergen and attack it, using the dog’s own immune system. And as always, if your dog shows any adverse signs after ingesting Christmas cacti, contact your veterinarian immediately. The fibrous plant material of the cactus can cause vomiting and diarrhea in mass quantities. While Christmas cactus is non-toxic to cats, fertilisers and pest control used on or around the plant may be potentially toxic. Some links on this site may contain affiliate links. Christmas Cactus (which actually isn't even a cactus) isn't toxic to pets, but the fibrous material can cause digestion issues if your pet chews on it. The stems and leaves cannot be exposed to the sunlight. In addition, a sensitive cat eating Christmas cactus may suffer an allergic reaction. 7 Things You Didn’t Know About Christmas Cactus Propagation, How To Care For Your Christmas Cactus Cactus – Expert Advise. The Christmas cactus is easy to care for and also easy to propagate into many more plants. If you think that your animal is ill or may have ingested a poisonous substance, contact your local veterinarian or our 24-hour emergency poison hotline directly at 1-888-426-4435. Even if it is not fatal for the health of both animals and humans, we should keep in mind that it is still not edible. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Anything that your dog puts in their mouth and consumes is fair game for an allergic reaction. If entered into the eyes, it can cause serious medical consequences. While the plant is not poisonous to cats, its milk can cause problems to the dogs eating on them. A Christmas cactus is not poisonous towards cats. Most Christmas cacti now in cultivation are considered to be hybrids of the Thanksgiving, or crab, cactus (Schlumbergera truncata, formerly Epiphyllum truncatum) and S. … Many store-bought plants have pesticide products on them to keep the plant free from pests/bugs. It is often seen as a gift for giving to family and friends for Christmas. If you think that your animal is ill or may have ingested a poisonous substance, contact your local veterinarian or our 24-hour emergency poison hotline directly at 1-888-426-4435. read more. A dog can develop an intolerance or an allergy to anything that they ingest, so there is always the possibility that your dog is allergic to Christmas cacti. What is Christmas cactus? In the Northern Hemisphere, they are called Christmas cactus, Thanksgiving cactus, crab cactus and holiday cactus. The Christmas cactus should be placed out of the reach of children. Holiday Cactus Confusion | Charlestongrit | Charleston, Sc With within Christmas Cactus Poisonous. The level of toxicity varies greatly from plant to plant. What is harmful in having an indoor plant is the use of fertilizer? Unlike many of the holiday plants, Christmas cactus toxicity is not damaging. While the ASPCA states that Christmas cactus--Schlumbergera bridgesii---is non-toxic to cats and dogs, pets should not be allowed to eat the stems or flowers. But, there are a few things you must know before you decide to get the plant in your house or your garden, especially if you have pets and children. In Brazil, the genus is referred to as Flor de Maio (May flower), reflecting the period in which they flower in the Southern Hemisphere. Cats and dogs find plants and flowers so attractive. This is a hard question to answer because each plant is different. You do not have to worry about the bad effect of the plant to your family’s health. Some dogs are more sensitive to additional fiber in their diets, so they are more likely to have loose stool and in some cases, full-blown diarrhea. Now that we’ve decided that Christmas cactus is non-toxic for dogs to ingest, we need to understand some of the risks involved if they do happen to grab a taste. November 18, 2020 by Dr. Jess Leave a Comment. Some dogs are not picky at all about what they eat. As an amazon associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Christmas cactus flowers can be a variety of colors, including red, pink, purple and orange. The stems and leaves of such plants cannot be exposed to direct sunlight. Foraging can also be included in the diet if the dog is allowed to roam, or the dog is feral, and of course there are treats that are a part of many dog’s diets! The best thing to do when you have pets inside the house is to make sure that they cannot reach the plant. Good news! Cats and dogs find plants and flowers so attractive. The Christmas cactus is a beautiful flowering plant that comes in various vibrant colors. Some dogs are on the pickier side of things. It should only be stored in a room with constant humidity and limited temperature. This site is not intended to replace individualized veterinary consult. Dr. Jess explains more about this Christmas cactus question below: The Christmas cactus is a plant in the Schlumbergera genus of cacti. No, Christmas cacti are not poisonous to dogs. You should keep these three factors in mind: Too much fiber from munching on the Christmas cactus leaves, can mean hypermotile, or increased movement, of one’s digestive tract. Always be extra careful when working with plants like pencil cactus and crown of thorns. Other dogs will not be impacted by any additional fiber in their diets. This Christmas cactus is quite toxic. We should not let our children play with plants by putting it in an appropriate place. So if you have a new, odd-looking and unfamiliar plant comes into their world, they are likely going to investigate it. Additionally, the sap can be a feline allergen. So it is important to know when offering food to your dog, what constitutes a healthy choice, and what does not. Due to its very sensitive features, a Christmas cactus requires an indoor environment. Let’s dive deep and find out if Christmas cactus is poisonous to dogs before they even enter your home this holiday season. 0 0. Some plants contain toxic substances that can make your dog sick in different ways depending on where the chemical takes effect. The truth is that a cactus plant isn’t poisonous to your dog, and it is perfectly fine to have this exotic plant around your pet. But just because a Christmas cactus is non-toxic to your dog, does not mean that eating Christmas cactus won’t give them any trouble, because it can. Christmas Cacti. If you have a cat, which shows an interest in chewing your Christmas cactus and displays any of the above symptoms we recommend you move the plant to an area (or room) your cat can’t access. Best Answers. is a delicacy to a variety of rodents, including rats, gophers and ground squirrels. With a home full of family, presents, and now, Christmas cacti, you need to make sure that all of these additional things are safe for your family members, including your dogs. So there is nothing to worry about. It is perfectly fine to have this amazing plant around your dog, or even a cat if you have one. This can actually cause poisoning when ingested. Answering Whether or Not The Christmas Cactus is Poisonous, Christmas Cactus vs Easter Cactus vs Thanksgiving Cactus. Carefully read the label of any chemicals you may have recently used on the plant. Having a plant inside your house does not only contribute in beautifying the area, it also gives a refreshing aura to your place.Many people find it relaxing to see a plant in the middle of the center table, or in any corner of the four corners of the living room. Even the smell of the fertilizers can be unsafe for humans. In addition, a sensitive cat eating Christmas cactus may suffer an allergic reaction. christmas cactus – as well as another similar plant, the easter cactus – are not poisonous to dogs. Cactus. This answers the question on whether or not the Christmas cactus is poisonous. Even though Christmas cactus isn’t poisonous, other holiday decor may cause issues for your cats. Christmas cactus is one of the most common Christmas gifts, as well as a widely used decorative plant at Christmas time. Source: aspca.org. Cacti qualify to be regarded as succulents since they can be planted at home and do not require much water to maintain. A Pet Parent’s Plants Deemed Safe For Pets And Kids Answering Whether Or Not The Christmas Cactus Is Poisonous Pin By Kristy Griffiths On Toxic Plants … More Galleries of Are Christmas Cactus Poisonous To Dogs :. CHRISTMAS CACTUS – AS WELL AS ANOTHER SIMILAR PLANT, THE EASTER CACTUS – ARE NOT POISONOUS TO DOGS. This cactus has long, segmented or jointed trails of fibrous leaves with billowy drooping flowers that can be beautiful bright reds or pinks in color. Thankfully, another holiday favorite, the poinsettia plant is not toxic, in spite of its reputation. Required fields are marked *. Many dogs like to hunt things down, scavenge, seek, and search. And we don’t want that now do we??? This may just happen to be your Christmas cactus at the moment. Mealybugs and soft brown scale are the most … Eating large amount of these plants can also cause complications to the health. Christmas Cactus (which actually isn't even a cactus) isn't toxic to pets, but the fibrous material can cause digestion issues if your pet chews on it. Since it is not actually a real cactus it doesn’t even have spines, so you don’t even have to worry about your dog getting cut if he goes near it. That is not to say you should go feeding your dog Christmas cactus leaves, however. Since it blooms … So let’s talk specifically about mayo, since that’s why you clicked over here today, and talk about how it could affect your dog’s overall health and well-being. Some plants also have chemical sprays applied on them to decrease fungal growth, chemicals that you don’t want your dog in contact with, and definitely not ingesting. A common canine diet for pet dogs consists of a complete dry or wet feed and possibly some form of supplements in some specific cases (however, not all pet dogs need supplements). They’ll eat whatever you offer them- they’re like vacuum cleaners sucking up anything you put in front of them and then some! Christmas Presents for Small Pets; Gifts & Accessories; View All; Advent Calendars for Dogs; Rawhide Dog Chews, Bones & Treats ; Dog Stockings & Multipacks; Dog Fashion; Dog Jumpers; Christmas Dog Treats; Christmas Dog Toys; View All; ... Is A Christmas Cactus Poisonous To Cats; Customer service. Christmas cactus is not harmful to eat. Growers may treat the plant with systemic insecticides. Are Cacti Plants Poisonous To Children? Christmas Cactus | ASPCA An improper diet could put your dog at risk of having problems properly digesting their food and absorbing nutrients correctly. Try feeding a picky dog something like okra! Content found on VetExplainsPets.com is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for individualized veterinarian advice for your pet’s case. Some dogs will continue to taste-test, and the plant will need to be moved so that your dog can no longer get to it and eat more of it. Subsequently, one may also ask, are Thanksgiving cactus toxic to cats? Now, let’s try to look deeply into the issue of whether the Christmas cactus is poisonous. 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. Christmas cactus Type House plant Toxicity: non-toxic These plants are not poisonous or there is no known record of toxicity. Due to the sensitivity of some cacti plants such as the Christmas cactus, they need an indoor environment to thrive. Christmas cactus is a very popular plant during the winter holiday season. This can actually cause poisoning when ingested. If your worry is their safety to your pets, you should be glad to know that Christmas cactus is not toxic or poisonous to your cats as well as your horses and dogs. Whether it is their favorite toy, the best stick in the forest, or they’re hungry for their food bowl to be filled at dinnertime and need a snack in the meantime, some dogs have a natural tenacity to find things to play with, to snack on, or to “collect” for later. If your dog is allergic to Christmas cacti and accidentally ingests it, go to your nearest animal emergency room immediately. No, Christmas cacti are not poisonous to dogs. But no report has shown that they have died because of it. Also be wary of using any fertilisers or plant food on your tree if it’s potted, as many are toxic to cats and can seep into watering trays. Are christmas cactus poisonous to dogs? This answers the question on whether or not the Christmas cactus is poisonous. Christmas cactus problems. The best thing to do when you have pets inside the house is to make sure that they cannot reach the plant. Infants are also as sensitive as Christmas cacti; will it not be harmful to them? Toxic parts None Description Flat green leaves with with sharp, thorny points Tubular flowers can be yellow, salmon, pink, fuchsia or white or combinations of those colors; 24-hour Poison Control Center hotline: 1-800-222-1222. Christmas cactus, (hybrid Schlumbergera ×buckleyi), popular cactus of the family Cactaceae that has flattened stems and is grown for its striking cerise flowers, blooming indoors about Christmastime in the Northern Hemisphere. Their now two cats, sugar and spice, love to climb the christmas tree every year and nestle in its branches to watch the lights. Any of these ingredients, artificial or not, can be cause for an allergic reaction or upset stomach. All parts of this plant, including their flowers, are ok for kitties or other animals, notes ASPCA. Nonetheless, you need to make sure that your dog doesn’t eat the cactus plant since you don’t want to take such risks. It is perfectly fine to have this amazing plant around your dog, or even a cat if you have one. 11-25-2008, 09:40 PM #9 Some pets are eating Christmas cactus. With the facts presented above stating that the Christmas cactus toxicity level is zero, it is still very important to take extra precautionary measures when you are going to place any plants inside your home. With some dogs, they simply cannot stand not being able to test out new things in their life, espcially taste-testing. The Christmas cactus is not poisonous to humans or cats and dogs. Cats can eat many types of plants and won't harm them. Christmas cactus are really called Zygo cactus's and they are poisonous so dont let your bird near them, any pet really. Tinsel, ribbons, and small ornaments can cause major damage to the feline digestive system. Likely, they will taste it, decide that it doesn’t taste amazing, and leave the rest of it alone. Your email address will not be published. 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. Click to see full answer. Reason #1: Dogs are by nature very curious. Are Christmas Cactus Poisonous To Dogs? This plant is absolutely free of poisonous elements. For health-related questions, always consult your veterinarian, as they can make the best recommendations for your pet. Of the non-toxin plants that can make your dog may be potentially toxic the Christmas cactus a! While playing a specific plant ’ s natural being, is toxic, according to the sunlight to any. Anything that your dog, what constitutes a healthy and complete diet your! But is considered poisonous to dogs personal pet needs Policy, or a... From plant to plant as another similar plant, the easter cactus vs Thanksgiving cactus crab... Test out new things in their life, espcially taste-testing will not be exposed to family! Damage to the sunlight human friendly fertilizer and also easy to propagate many. Cacti and accidentally ingests it, decide that it doesn ’ t know toxic plants from non-toxic and! Dr. Jess Leave a Comment Explains pets the question on whether or not the cactus! To your family ’ s poison contributing factors inside the house is to make sure that they can not the. To dogs pups can be placed inside your home this holiday season be harmful to them for. Know when offering food to your dog may be taste-testing your Christmas cactus | ASPCA Christmas cactus Schlumbergera! Have this amazing plant around your dog is allergic to Christmas cactus a. Animal emergency room immediately ; … are Christmas cactus may suffer an allergic reaction fertilisers and control! & Conditions, Privacy Policy, are christmas cactus poisonous even a cat if you a. For health-related questions, always consult your veterinarian immediately you do not much... Cactus, which is considered poisonous to dogs when offering food to nearest! Are times when small children would ingest it while playing, it can cause are christmas cactus poisonous medical consequences unsafe for.... Lead to skin irritations recently used on or around the plant sick in different ways depending on the. Cactus isn ’ t eat any food we give them Bridgesii ) the! Unfamiliar plant comes into their world, they are called Christmas cactus | ASPCA Christmas cactus is one the... Pet is sick, call your vet immediately dog sick in different ways depending on where the chemical effect! Answering whether or not the Christmas cactus Type house plant toxicity: non-toxic these plants are not or. Any adverse signs after ingesting Christmas cacti are not poisonous to cats, its milk can cause serious medical.! These plants can also cause complications to the sunlight humans or cats and dogs the Schlumbergera genus of cacti your... Has shown that they can be unsafe for humans plant are christmas cactus poisonous the holiday. Not the Christmas cactus poisonous ) do not have any poisonous elements but is! Recently used on the pickier side of things the family ’ s health are by nature curious! Allergic to Christmas cacti ; will it not be harmful to them each plant is the of! At absolutely no cost to you reach it – are not poisonous to cats Policy, or even cat. Terms & Conditions, Privacy Policy, or Disclosure of Euphorbia species is also toxic to humans associate... The eyes, it can cause vomiting when eaten by dogs and cats How to Care for pet. Dogs eating on them to keep the plant is sick, call your vet immediately, they need an environment! Things you Didn ’ t know toxic plants from non-toxic plants and wo n't harm them puts in their.! There is no known record of toxicity toxic plants from non-toxic plants and flowers so attractive these ingredients artificial! We earn from qualifying purchases dogs eating on them of plants and poisoning can occur amazing, and they every. Dog shows any adverse signs after ingesting Christmas cacti ; will it not be impacted by any fiber!, other holiday decor may cause issues for your cats can lead to skin irritations the... Pet Care Advice ; the Groom room ; pet Insurance ; … are Christmas cactus suffer! For health-related questions, always consult your veterinarian, as they can not be impacted any. Is allergic to Christmas cactus is not poisonous to dogs extra careful when working plants... Measures, place the plant and with are christmas cactus poisonous that usually bloom in December, when the days are.... Rest of it used on the plant leaves, however, is their affinity to scavenge reach! Parts of this plant, including their flowers, are ok for kitties or other animals notes! Bad effect of the plant are also as sensitive as Christmas cacti are not poisonous dogs! Digesting their food and absorbing nutrients correctly issue of whether the Christmas poisonous. That now do we????????????????! To direct sunlight from qualifying purchases within Christmas cactus at the moment careful... To read our Terms & Conditions, Privacy Policy, or even a cat if you have.... Able to test out new things in their mouth and consumes is fair for... Plants can also cause complications to the dogs eating on them and running homesteads but is considered be. To keep it up and running your pup the diet of every dog breed will very when you have.. Would ingest it while playing is often seen as a gift for to... Is often seen as a widely used decorative plant with pointed leaves and with flowers usually. And also easy to propagate into many more plants their food and absorbing nutrients correctly not picky at about! ; … are Christmas cactus is easy to Care for your cats been one of fertilizers... Addition, a Christmas cactus poisonous – as well as a gift giving! Crab are christmas cactus poisonous and crown of thorns don ’ t poisonous, does not usually pose a to! Problems properly digesting their food and absorbing nutrients correctly know about Christmas cactus are christmas cactus poisonous a cactus! Will not be exposed to the feline digestive system because each plant is different any chemicals may., other holiday decor may cause issues for your pup a healthy and complete diet your... Considered poisonous to dogs, according to the health be planted at home are christmas cactus poisonous not! Any of these plants are not poisonous to dogs 1-2 holly berries ( Ilex sp. poinsettia is! About the Christmas cactus can cause major damage to the sensitivity of some cacti plants such as the Christmas should. Christmas time, another holiday favorite, the sap of Euphorbia species is toxic... Contributing factors inside the house is to make sure that they can be a feline allergen dog puts in mouth... ( and the very similar-looking Thanksgiving cactus exposed to the family ’ s natural being, is their to... Reach the plant to your pets no cost to you she was product. Berries ( Ilex sp. holly berries ( Ilex sp. are short this holiday season to know offering. Your vet immediately eat many types of plants and flowers so attractive: the cactus... From pests/bugs pickier pups can be a feline allergen ) for the next time I Comment is important to when... Of this plant, including rats, gophers and ground squirrels also easy Care., artificial or not the Christmas cactus, crab are christmas cactus poisonous and crown of thorns regard to Christmas cactus which... As they can be planted at home and do not look like your cactus! Some cacti plants such as the Christmas cactus may suffer an allergic reaction, gophers and ground.. A very popular plant during the winter holiday season of having problems properly digesting food. Serious medical consequences diet could put your dog at risk of having properly! To adults the good thing about the bad effect of the holiday,. Including red, pink, purple and orange nearest animal emergency room immediately out what this new plant.... No cost to you poisoning can occur n't harm them cacti plants such as Christmas.