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Is Candle Plant toxic to cats?

Senecio articulatus

Toxic to cats

Yes — candle 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. Toxic to dogs, cats, and horses as a Senecio species listed by the ASPCA. Contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids. Ingestion may cause vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, drooling, and with repeated large doses, liver damage. Sap can cause contact skin irritation. Keep away from pets and children.

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?

Yes — candle plant 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, cats, and horses as a Senecio species listed by the ASPCA. Contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids. Ingestion may cause vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, drooling, and with repeated large doses, liver damage. Sap can cause contact skin irritation. Keep away from pets and children.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats candle plant?

Toxic to dogs, cats, and horses as a Senecio species listed by the ASPCA. Contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids. Ingestion may cause vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, drooling, and with repeated large doses, liver damage. Sap can cause contact skin irritation. Keep 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 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 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