Kalanchoe — (c) jackywu, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by jackywu
Photo by (c) jackywu, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by jackywuiNaturalistCC BY
cat safety reference

Is Kalanchoe safe for cats?

Kalanchoe spp

Kalanchoe is a popular succulent genus known for its clusters of vibrant, long-lasting flowers. While visually appealing, all parts of the plant contain cardiac glycosides that can be harmful if ingested by pets.

BryophyllumDevil's BackboneFlorist KalanchoeKalanchoe sppMother of Millions
Light
Bright indirect light
Habit
Succulent
Care
Low

Safety status

Cats

Potentially toxic

Consulted references classify the plant as toxic or irritating for that pet type.

Verified against ASPCA/provenance audit 2026-05-06 on May 6, 2026.

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.

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.

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.

Sources: ASPCA.

If a pet has chewed or swallowed plant material and is showing symptoms, contact a veterinarian or poison resource immediately. This product is for structured reference, not diagnosis.

Catsconcern notes

Common signs

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.

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Source evidence

Cats & dogs pagedogs pageMy cat ate Kalanchoe

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