Safety verdict
Consulted references classify the plant as toxic or irritating for that pet type.
Pet ingestion lookup
My cat ate Kalanchoe - what should I do?
Kalanchoe spp
Potentially toxic
Contact your veterinarian or an animal poison-control resource now, especially if any amount was chewed or swallowed.
Verified against ASPCA/provenance audit 2026-05-06 on May 6, 2026.
Signs to watch for
Vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, and potential heart rhythm abnormalities.
Escalation note
Ingestion can lead to serious cardiac issues. Please contact your veterinarian or an animal poison control center immediately if you suspect your cat has consumed any part of this plant.
First aid at home
Call ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 or your veterinarian as soon as possible. Do not induce vomiting unless a veterinarian instructs you to.
What to watch for
Most ingestions cause vomiting and diarrhea — the typical first sign in cats is vomiting shortly after chewing the leaves or flowers. Larger ingestions can progress to weakness, collapse, and abnormal heart rate or rhythm. Cardiac signs are uncommon but the reason vets take this plant seriously.
Time window
Onset and duration are not well documented; ASPCA describes ingestion as most often resulting in GI upset, with cardiac signs rare and tied to larger doses.
When to call the vet
Call your veterinarian or ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888-426-4435) any time you see vomiting, lethargy, or weakness after exposure — and call immediately if you noticed a large amount eaten or your cat seems wobbly. Don't wait for cardiac signs.
What this means for your cat
Cats should not nibble on kalanchoe. The plant's bufadienolides are cardiac glycosides — most of the time the result is GI upset, but a meaningful chew can affect heart rhythm and is treated as a real emergency.
Sources: ASPCA.
Poison-control resources
This page summarizes source-bound plant-safety information and is not veterinary advice.