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Is Coral Cactus toxic to cats?

Euphorbia lactea 'Cristata'

Toxic to cats

Yes — coral cactus is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List. Euphorbia lactea is not individually named on the ASPCA toxic plant list, but the genus is clearly not safe: the ASPCA lists multiple Euphorbia species (Pencil Cactus/E. tirucalli, Crown of Thorns/E. milii and Poinsettia/E. pulcherrima) as toxic to cats and dogs and lists no Euphorbia as non-toxic. Like all Euphorbia it bleeds a milky latex sap that irritates skin, eyes, mouth and gut, so it is treated as toxic to pets and people; keep it away from cats, dogs and children, wear gloves when handling, and consult a vet if your pet ingests it.

What to do if your cat ate coral cactus

  1. Remove any plant material from your cat's mouth and move coral cactus 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 coral cactus to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.

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

Is coral cactus toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is coral cactus toxic to cats?

Yes — coral cactus is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Euphorbia lactea is not individually named on the ASPCA toxic plant list, but the genus is clearly not safe: the ASPCA lists multiple Euphorbia species (Pencil Cactus/E. tirucalli, Crown of Thorns/E. milii and Poinsettia/E. pulcherrima) as toxic to cats and dogs and lists no Euphorbia as non-toxic. Like all Euphorbia it bleeds a milky latex sap that irritates skin, eyes, mouth and gut, so it is treated as toxic to pets and people; keep it away from cats, dogs and children, wear gloves when handling, and consult a vet if your pet ingests it.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats coral cactus?

Euphorbia lactea is not individually named on the ASPCA toxic plant list, but the genus is clearly not safe: the ASPCA lists multiple Euphorbia species (Pencil Cactus/E. tirucalli, Crown of Thorns/E. milii and Poinsettia/E. pulcherrima) as toxic to cats and dogs and lists no Euphorbia as non-toxic. Like all Euphorbia it bleeds a milky latex sap that irritates skin, eyes, mouth and gut, so it is treated as toxic to pets and people; keep it away from cats, dogs and children, wear gloves when handling, and consult a vet if your pet ingests 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 coral cactus.

What should I do if my cat ate coral cactus?

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 coral cactus toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Coral Cactus is toxic to dogs as well. See the full coral cactus pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to coral cactus?

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 coral cactus pet-safety