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Is Candle plant toxic to cats?

Senecio articulatus (syn. Curio articulatus)

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists candle plant as mildly toxic to cats — a chewing cat typically gets mouth irritation, drooling, and vomiting rather than a medical emergency, but it is still best kept out of reach. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List. Treat candle plant as toxic to cats and dogs. Senecio articulatus is not individually named on the ASPCA list, but the ASPCA lists its genus broadly as "Senecio species" (ragwort/groundsel) — toxic to dogs, cats and horses via pyrrolizidine alkaloids. Household ingestion of this ornamental succulent most likely causes mild stomach upset, but because the genus carries a liver-toxicity flag, keep it out of reach and call your vet or ASPCA Poison Control (888-426-4435) if a pet chews it.

What to do if your cat ate candle plant

  1. Remove any plant material from your cat's mouth and move candle plant out of reach.
  2. Note how much was eaten and when, and watch for drooling, vomiting, or lethargy.
  3. Do not induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist instructs you to.
  4. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice.
  5. Bring a leaf or photo of candle plant to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.

General guidance, not veterinary advice. If you think your cat has eaten candle plant, contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 — do not wait for symptoms to worsen.

Is candle plant toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is candle plant toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists candle plant as mildly toxic to cats — a chewing cat typically gets mouth irritation, drooling, and vomiting rather than a medical emergency, but it is still best kept out of reach. Treat candle plant as toxic to cats and dogs. Senecio articulatus is not individually named on the ASPCA list, but the ASPCA lists its genus broadly as "Senecio species" (ragwort/groundsel) — toxic to dogs, cats and horses via pyrrolizidine alkaloids. Household ingestion of this ornamental succulent most likely causes mild stomach upset, but because the genus carries a liver-toxicity flag, keep it out of reach and call your vet or ASPCA Poison Control (888-426-4435) if a pet chews it.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats candle plant?

Treat candle plant as toxic to cats and dogs. Senecio articulatus is not individually named on the ASPCA list, but the ASPCA lists its genus broadly as "Senecio species" (ragwort/groundsel) — toxic to dogs, cats and horses via pyrrolizidine alkaloids. Household ingestion of this ornamental succulent most likely causes mild stomach upset, but because the genus carries a liver-toxicity flag, keep it out of reach and call your vet or ASPCA Poison Control (888-426-4435) if a pet chews it. Signs usually appear soon after chewing rather than hours later — watch for drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy after your cat has had access to candle plant.

What should I do if my cat ate candle plant?

Stay calm. Remove any plant from your cat's mouth and take the plant away. Note how much was eaten and when, and do not induce vomiting unless told to. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice; a leaf or photo helps the vet treat it correctly.

Is candle plant toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Candle plant is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full candle plant pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to candle plant?

For a similar look without the risk, see the best cats-safe plants list — every plant there is ASPCA non-toxic to cats and dogs.

Full candle plant pet-safety