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Is Firesticks Plant toxic to cats?

Euphorbia tirucalli 'Sticks on Fire'

Toxic to cats

Yes — firesticks plant 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. Pencil cactus (Euphorbia tirucalli) is ASPCA-listed as toxic to cats and dogs. The milky latex sap is the toxic principle: it severely irritates the mouth, skin and especially the eyes (risking corneal injury) and causes drooling and vomiting if ingested. Always wear gloves and eye protection; keep well away from pets and children.

What to do if your cat ate firesticks plant

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

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

Is firesticks plant toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is firesticks plant toxic to cats?

Yes — firesticks plant is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Pencil cactus (Euphorbia tirucalli) is ASPCA-listed as toxic to cats and dogs. The milky latex sap is the toxic principle: it severely irritates the mouth, skin and especially the eyes (risking corneal injury) and causes drooling and vomiting if ingested. Always wear gloves and eye protection; keep well away from pets and children.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats firesticks plant?

Pencil cactus (Euphorbia tirucalli) is ASPCA-listed as toxic to cats and dogs. The milky latex sap is the toxic principle: it severely irritates the mouth, skin and especially the eyes (risking corneal injury) and causes drooling and vomiting if ingested. Always wear gloves and eye protection; keep well away from pets and children. 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 firesticks plant.

What should I do if my cat ate firesticks 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 firesticks plant toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to firesticks 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 firesticks plant pet-safety