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Pet safety

Is Crown of Thorns toxic to cats?

Euphorbia milii

Toxic to cats

Yes — crown of thorns 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. Toxic to dogs and cats. The ASPCA and Pet Poison Helpline flag Euphorbia species (including E. milii) for their irritant milky latex sap, which contains diterpene/phorbol esters; ingestion causes drooling, mouth and gastrointestinal irritation, vomiting and diarrhoea, while sap contact irritates skin and eyes. The sharp thorns add a physical hazard. Keep away from pets and children and wear gloves when pruning.

What to do if your cat ate crown of thorns

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

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

Is crown of thorns toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is crown of thorns toxic to cats?

Yes — crown of thorns is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Toxic to dogs and cats. The ASPCA and Pet Poison Helpline flag Euphorbia species (including E. milii) for their irritant milky latex sap, which contains diterpene/phorbol esters; ingestion causes drooling, mouth and gastrointestinal irritation, vomiting and diarrhoea, while sap contact irritates skin and eyes. The sharp thorns add a physical hazard. Keep away from pets and children and wear gloves when pruning.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats crown of thorns?

Toxic to dogs and cats. The ASPCA and Pet Poison Helpline flag Euphorbia species (including E. milii) for their irritant milky latex sap, which contains diterpene/phorbol esters; ingestion causes drooling, mouth and gastrointestinal irritation, vomiting and diarrhoea, while sap contact irritates skin and eyes. The sharp thorns add a physical hazard. Keep away from pets and children and wear gloves when pruning. 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 crown of thorns.

What should I do if my cat ate crown of thorns?

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 crown of thorns toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Crown of Thorns is toxic to dogs as well. See the full crown of thorns pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to crown of thorns?

Good cat-safe swaps that keep a similar look include christmas cactus, easter cactus, elephant bush — all ASPCA non-toxic to cats and dogs. See the full pet-safe alternatives to crown of thorns.

Full crown of thorns pet-safety