Pet safety
Is Mother of thousands toxic to cats?
Kalanchoe daigremontiana
Yes — mother of thousands 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. The ASPCA lists Kalanchoe (the genus that includes Kalanchoe daigremontiana) as Toxic to Dogs and Toxic to Cats. The toxic principles are bufadienolides, cardiac-glycoside compounds found throughout the plant that act on the heart in a way similar to digitalis. Reported clinical signs are vomiting and diarrhoea, with abnormal heart rhythm in rare cases; the Pet Poison Helpline warns that larger ingestions can cause changes in heart rate and rhythm, weakness and collapse. This species is especially risky because it constantly sheds tiny plantlets that fall to the floor where curious pets and children can eat them. Keep well out of reach and contact a vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888-426-4435) if ingestion is suspected. The ASPCA does not separately list horses for Kalanchoe, so livestock owners should verify with a vet.
What to do if your cat ate mother of thousands
- Remove any plant material from your cat's mouth and move mother of thousands out of reach.
- Note how much was eaten and when, and watch for drooling, vomiting, or lethargy.
- Do not induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist instructs you to.
- Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice.
- Bring a leaf or photo of mother of thousands to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.
General guidance, not veterinary advice. If you think your cat has eaten mother of thousands, contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 — do not wait for symptoms to worsen.
Is mother of thousands toxic to cats? — FAQ
Is mother of thousands toxic to cats?
Yes — mother of thousands is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. The ASPCA lists Kalanchoe (the genus that includes Kalanchoe daigremontiana) as Toxic to Dogs and Toxic to Cats. The toxic principles are bufadienolides, cardiac-glycoside compounds found throughout the plant that act on the heart in a way similar to digitalis. Reported clinical signs are vomiting and diarrhoea, with abnormal heart rhythm in rare cases; the Pet Poison Helpline warns that larger ingestions can cause changes in heart rate and rhythm, weakness and collapse. This species is especially risky because it constantly sheds tiny plantlets that fall to the floor where curious pets and children can eat them. Keep well out of reach and contact a vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888-426-4435) if ingestion is suspected. The ASPCA does not separately list horses for Kalanchoe, so livestock owners should verify with a vet.
What are the symptoms if a cat eats mother of thousands?
The ASPCA lists Kalanchoe (the genus that includes Kalanchoe daigremontiana) as Toxic to Dogs and Toxic to Cats. The toxic principles are bufadienolides, cardiac-glycoside compounds found throughout the plant that act on the heart in a way similar to digitalis. Reported clinical signs are vomiting and diarrhoea, with abnormal heart rhythm in rare cases; the Pet Poison Helpline warns that larger ingestions can cause changes in heart rate and rhythm, weakness and collapse. This species is especially risky because it constantly sheds tiny plantlets that fall to the floor where curious pets and children can eat them. Keep well out of reach and contact a vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888-426-4435) if ingestion is suspected. The ASPCA does not separately list horses for Kalanchoe, so livestock owners should verify with a vet. 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 mother of thousands.
What should I do if my cat ate mother of thousands?
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 mother of thousands toxic to dogs too?
The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Mother of thousands is toxic to dogs as well. See the full mother of thousands pet-safety guide for both species.
What is a cat-safe alternative to mother of thousands?
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 mother of thousands pet-safety
- Is mother of thousands toxic to cats and dogs? — the full guide for both pets
- Is mother of thousands toxic to dogs?
- Best cats-safe plants — the full ASPCA non-toxic list
- Complete mother of thousands care guide