Is Kalanchoe toxic to cats?
Yes. Kalanchoe (a common succulent houseplant) contains cardiac glycosides — less potent than oleander, but still capable of causing heart rhythm problems and significant GI upset.
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Content compiled with reference to guidance from the Blue Cross, PDSA, Royal Veterinary College (RVC), Battersea, and Animal PoisonLine. This site does not provide veterinary advice — always consult a vet. Last reviewed: 27 September 2026.
Key facts
- Verdict: No — dangerous to cats. Kalanchoe should never be given deliberately.
- Category: Houseplant
- Onset: Signs can start 0–6 hours — see the full timeline below.
- If it's already happened: Call your vet now, or the Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509000 (24/7, charges apply) — see the emergency steps below.
If your cat has just eaten kalanchoe
- Move your cat away from any remaining kalanchoe. Do not try to make them vomit at home — this is dangerous in cats and rarely works.
- Note how much was eaten and when, and keep the packaging or a photo of the plant/substance if you can.
- Call your vet immediately, even out of hours. Tell them your cat's weight, what they ate, and when.
- If you can't reach your vet, call Animal PoisonLine (01202 509000) — paid triage, 24/7 for guidance. They can advise on urgency and route you to emergency care.
What's the full picture?
Kalanchoe is a small flowering succulent widely sold in supermarkets and garden centres as an easy houseplant. All parts contain bufadienolides, a class of cardiac glycosides.
Small ingestions usually cause vomiting and diarrhoea; larger amounts can affect heart rhythm.
Symptoms to watch for
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Cat owner essentials
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Questions owners ask
How does kalanchoe compare to more dangerous cardiac-toxin plants like oleander?
Kalanchoe's bufadienolide compounds work on the heart in a similar way to oleander's cardiac glycosides, but kalanchoe is generally considered less potent — smaller ingestions tend to cause vomiting and diarrhoea rather than immediate cardiac crisis. Larger amounts can still affect heart rhythm, though, so it shouldn't be treated as harmless just because it's less severe than oleander; any ingestion still warrants a vet call.
My cat batted at and chewed a kalanchoe leaf — what should I watch for?
Expect possible vomiting, diarrhoea, and drooling within the first 6 hours. If your cat has eaten more than a small piece, or you notice weakness, lethargy, or a slower-than-normal heart rate over the following 6–24 hours, that indicates a larger dose has affected the heart and needs same-day veterinary assessment.
Are there safe succulent alternatives that look similar to kalanchoe?
Haworthia and certain echeveria varieties offer a similarly compact, easy-care succulent look without kalanchoe's bufadienolide cardiac-glycoside content. Check the specific variety against a current toxic-plant list, since succulents as a broad category include both safe and unsafe species.
If your cat keeps returning to the wrong plant, a pet-safe plant deterrent spray can break the habit without harm.
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Related
Sources referenced for this guidance
- Veterinary Poisons Information Service (VPIS) — UK clinical toxicology reference used by vets
- International Cat Care — feline-specific clinical guidance
- BSAVA — British Small Animal Veterinary Association reference materials
- Merck Veterinary Manual — professional veterinary reference
About this guidance
Every entry on this site is compiled from published UK veterinary toxicology sources — International Cat Care, Veterinary Poisons Information Service (VPIS) references, RCVS-registered practice materials, and peer-reviewed feline medicine literature. Where the evidence is mixed, we err on the cautious side because cats are unusually sensitive to many common substances that are harmless to humans and even to dogs.
This is general information written for UK cat owners. It is not personalised veterinary advice for your specific cat, their age, weight, medical history, or the exact exposure you're dealing with. If your cat has eaten something or is unwell, call your vet first. The Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509000 is available 24/7 for a small fee and can tell you whether an emergency visit is needed.
Entries are reviewed and updated as new research emerges. Spotted an error? Let us know — corrections are investigated and applied within 24 hours. For more context on how we work, see about and our full disclaimer.
Last reviewed: · By the What Can My Cat Eat? editorial team