With the holiday season just around the corner, it’s time to bring out our favorite festive plant – the Christmas cactus. Its bright flowers can simply bring cheer into any room, so you’ll want to have them all around!
But that might not be such as a good idea if you have pets running and playing with everything that comes their way.
When I brought my first Christmas cactus home, I could already see my cat eyeing it, probably thinking I got her a new toy (yep, I spoiled her like that).
If your cat is the type to snack on houseplants, play in the Christmas tree, or wrestle with tinsel, you’ll want to know if this cactus is safe to keep around.
So, here’s everything you need to know to keep your plant and pet happy this season (minus the worry!).
Don’t Worry, Small Bites Of Cactus Won’t Harm Your Cat
The thick, juicy leaves and bright flowers of a Christmas cactus might catch your cat’s attention (they also find it pretty just like we do!).
The good news is that this holiday plant is safe for pets, even for those who like to munch on everything!
While most cats will leave it alone, if yours does take a little nibble, don’t worry. Christmas cactus isn’t toxic and small bites won’t harm your cat (phew!).
If they happen to munch a bit too much, they might end up with a slight tummy upset, like some vomiting or diarrhea. In rare cases, eating too much could lead to a bit of a blockage due to the plant’s thick leaves.
Luckily, mine just played with it for a bit and got bored – she quickly went onto the next thing!
But if your cat still seems uncomfortable after a couple of days, it’s a good idea to check in with the vet. It would also be a good idea to inspect your cactus as well and see if there are some parts missing.
Related: Is The ZZ Plant Toxic To Cats? Find Out The Answer Here!
Tips To Keep Your Cat And Your Cactus Safe Around Each Other
If you’re a bit worried and want to keep both your cat and Christmas cactus safe, try putting the plant somewhere your cat can’t reach. Just make sure this spot has the right conditions for your cactus to thrive!
These cacti love bright, indirect light and well-draining soil. A sunny west or south-facing window is ideal, just make sure to avoid direct sunlight since it can scorch those lovely leaves.
Water your Christmas cactus when the top soil feels dry to the touch. Do it right after the flowers bloom and then when the top inch is dry for the rest of the year.
Fertilize monthly from June to August with a half-strength houseplant fertilizer to improve growth and flowering. Avoid fish-based fertilizers to keep your kitty uninterested (you don’t want it digging through your houseplants).
Repot every 3-4 years, increasing the pot size by just a couple of inches since Christmas cacti like tight spaces. Choose a heavier pot to avoid any accidents (my cat has knocked down a fair amount of plastic pots in my house).
With these tips, your cat will be happy and your cactus will be thriving. In case of any incidents, have the number of your vet on speed dial (though I hope you won’t need it!).