# Is Flapjack Succulent Toxic to Cats? What to Know Is flapjack succulent toxic to cats? Yes. Flapjack (Kalanchoe luciae or Kalanchoe thyrsiflora) belongs to the Kalanchoe genus, and Kalanchoe species contain compounds that are toxic to cats. If your cat nibbles on a flapjack leaf, expect gastrointestinal upset and possibly other signs, and call your veterinarian or a pet poison hotline right away. This article is educational and is not a substitute for veterinary diagnosis or treatment. ## Quick Answer - Flapjack succulent is a Kalanchoe, and Kalanchoe plants are toxic to cats. - The toxic compounds are bufadienolides, which affect the heart and digestive system. - All parts of the plant are considered toxic, including leaves, stems, flowers, and roots. - Signs usually appear within a few hours of ingestion and include vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, and lethargy. - Call your veterinarian, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435, or Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661 immediately. Do not induce vomiting unless a veterinarian tells you to. ## Is Flapjack Succulent Toxic to Cats? Yes, flapjack succulent is toxic to cats. Flapjack is a common name for Kalanchoe luciae and Kalanchoe thyrsiflora, both of which belong to the Kalanchoe genus. Kalanchoe plants contain bufadienolides, which are cardiac glycosides that can cause serious illness in cats. This matters because many succulents are safe or only mildly irritating, so owners often assume all succulents are fine to keep around cats. That is not true. Some succulents, including Kalanchoe species, are genuinely toxic. If you are trying to figure out which plants in your home are safe, it helps to check a reliable list of [plants toxic to cats](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/toxicology-and-food-safety/plants-toxic-to-cats) before bringing anything new indoors. ### Which Parts of the Flapjack Plant Are Toxic? All parts of the flapjack plant contain bufadienolides. The leaves, stems, flowers, and roots are all considered toxic. The leaves are the most likely part for a cat to chew on because they are large, fleshy, and at cat height when the plant sits on a windowsill or low shelf. Dried or fallen leaves can also be a problem. If a leaf drops onto the floor and your cat bats it around or chews it, that is still an exposure. The same is true for propagated leaf cuttings. ### Are Kalanchoe Products Also a Risk? Yes. Any product made from Kalanchoe plant material carries the same risk. This includes dried Kalanchoe sold in herbal blends, teas, or supplements. If you are not sure whether a product contains Kalanchoe, keep it out of reach and ask your veterinarian before using it around your cat. ## The Toxic Principle and What It Does in the Body The toxic compounds in Kalanchoe are bufadienolides, a type of cardiac glycoside. These compounds interfere with the sodium-potassium pump in cells, which is essential for normal heart and muscle function. When that pump is disrupted, the heart can beat abnormally and the digestive tract can become irritated. Plant toxicity in general comes from a wide variety of chemical toxins, including alkaloids, glycosides, proteins, and amino acids [1]. Bufadienolides fall into the glycoside category. The specific chemical responsible for toxicity has not been identified for every toxic plant, and species differences in sensitivity mean that a plant that causes mild signs in one animal can cause severe signs in another [1]. In cats, the most common result of eating a Kalanchoe is gastrointestinal upset. More serious cardiac effects are possible, especially with larger ingestions. The exact amount that causes severe poisoning in cats is not well established in veterinary research, so your veterinarian will assess risk based on your cat's weight, the amount eaten, and the signs your cat is showing. ## Signs of Flapjack Poisoning in Cats and Their Timeline Signs of Kalanchoe poisoning usually appear within a few hours of ingestion. The most common signs are vomiting and diarrhea. Other signs include drooling, lethargy, loss of appetite, and abdominal discomfort. In more serious cases, heart rhythm abnormalities can develop. These may show up as weakness, collapse, or an irregular heartbeat that you cannot see at home but your veterinarian can detect on an exam. ### Common Early Signs - Vomiting - Diarrhea - Drooling or excessive salivation - Pawing at the mouth - Lethargy or unusual tiredness - Loss of appetite ### Signs That Need Emergency Care - Collapse or fainting - Weakness that makes it hard for your cat to stand - Rapid, slow, or irregular heartbeat - Difficulty breathing - Tremors or seizures If you see any of these, treat it as an emergency. Call ahead so the clinic can prepare, then bring your cat in right away. ### How Long Do Signs Last? Mild gastrointestinal signs often improve within 24 to 48 hours with supportive care. More serious cardiac signs may take longer to resolve and may require hospitalization. Your veterinarian will give you a better timeline once your cat has been examined. ## What to Do Right Now If Your Cat Ate Flapjack Stay calm and act quickly. Remove your cat from the plant and put the plant somewhere your cat cannot reach it. Call your veterinarian, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435, or Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661. These services are staffed around the clock and can tell you whether your cat needs to be seen. Do not induce vomiting unless a veterinarian tells you to. Inducing vomiting at home can cause aspiration, which means your cat breathes vomit into the lungs. That can be more dangerous than the plant itself. ### What to Tell the Poison Hotline or Your Vet - Your cat's age, weight, and any health conditions - Which plant you think your cat ate (flapjack, Kalanchoe, or an unknown succulent) - Which part was eaten (leaf, stem, flower) - How much was eaten, if you can estimate - When it happened - What signs you have seen so far If you still have the plant or a photo of it, bring that with you. Plant identification helps your veterinarian choose the right treatment. ### What Not to Do - Do not give your cat milk, oil, or home remedies. - Do not give human medications. - Do not wait to see if signs develop if you know your cat ate a toxic plant. ## Veterinary Treatment for Kalanchoe Poisoning in Cats Treatment depends on how much your cat ate and how sick your cat is. If your cat just ate the plant and is not yet showing signs, your veterinarian may decontaminate by inducing vomiting in the clinic or giving activated charcoal. These steps are done under veterinary supervision. If your cat is already vomiting or having diarrhea, treatment focuses on supportive care. This may include intravenous fluids, anti-nausea medication, and medications to protect the stomach. If heart rhythm problems are present, your veterinarian may use specific cardiac medications and monitor your cat with an ECG. Your veterinarian calculates every medication dose from your cat's weight and health status. There is no home dose you can safely give. ### Blood Work and Monitoring Your veterinarian may run blood work to check electrolytes and organ function. Cardiac monitoring may be needed if your cat has an abnormal heart rate or rhythm. Hospitalization may be recommended for cats with moderate to severe signs. ## Outlook After Flapjack Ingestion The outlook is generally good for cats that eat a small amount and receive prompt care. Mild gastrointestinal signs often resolve within a day or two. Cats with cardiac signs need closer monitoring and may take longer to recover. The outcome depends on how much was eaten, how quickly treatment started, and your cat's overall health. Cats with pre-existing heart disease may be at higher risk. Your veterinarian can give you a more specific prognosis after examining your cat. ## Prevention and Safer Alternatives The simplest prevention is to keep flapjack and other Kalanchoe plants out of your home, or to place them in a room your cat cannot enter. Cats are curious and good climbers, so a high shelf is not always enough. If you want to keep succulents, choose cat-safe options. Some succulents, such as certain Echeveria and Haworthia species, are generally considered non-toxic, but always confirm the specific species before bringing it home. If you are unsure, check a trusted toxic plant list or ask your veterinarian. ### Other Common Houseplants to Watch Kalanchoe is not the only toxic plant found in American homes. Lilies are extremely dangerous to cats and can cause kidney failure with even small exposures. If you keep lilies, read [Are Lilies Toxic to Cats?](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/toxicology-and-food-safety/are-lilies-toxic-to-cats) and consider removing them entirely. Snake plants are another common houseplant that owners ask about. They are not in the same toxicity category as Kalanchoe, but they can still cause problems if chewed. You can read more in [Are Snake Plants Toxic To Cats](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/toxicology-and-food-safety/are-snake-plants-toxic-to-cats). Spider plants are often described as safe, but cats sometimes react to them with vomiting or diarrhea after eating the leaves. For details, see [Are Spider Plants Toxic To Cats](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/toxicology-and-food-safety/are-spider-plants-toxic-to-cats). ### How to Tell Flapjack From Safe Succulents Flapjack has large, flat, paddle-shaped leaves with a gray-green color and reddish edges when grown in bright light. It grows in a rosette shape and can reach several feet tall outdoors. If your succulent has these features, treat it as a Kalanchoe until you confirm otherwise. If you are not sure what plant you have, take a clear photo and ask your veterinarian or a poison control service. Do not rely on plant identification apps alone for toxicity decisions. ## Limitations and When to Contact a Veterinarian Individual cases need a veterinarian. No article can tell you whether your specific cat will be fine after eating a specific amount of a specific plant. Contact your veterinarian the same day if your cat ate flapjack and is showing mild signs such as one episode of vomiting, drooling, or mild lethargy. Even mild signs can worsen, and early treatment is easier than late treatment. Go to an emergency clinic now if your cat is collapsing, having trouble breathing, has an irregular heartbeat, is having seizures, or is too weak to stand. Do not wait for an appointment. Schedule a routine visit if your cat ate a tiny amount, seems completely normal, and you want reassurance. Your veterinarian can examine your cat and decide whether any monitoring is needed. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### Is flapjack succulent the same as Kalanchoe? Yes, flapjack is a common name for two Kalanchoe species, Kalanchoe luciae and Kalanchoe thyrsiflora. Both contain the same toxic compounds. If you see "flapjack" on a plant tag, treat it as a Kalanchoe. ### Can my cat die from eating flapjack? Death is rare, but serious poisoning is possible. Most cats develop vomiting and diarrhea and recover with supportive care. Cardiac effects are the main concern, and they are more likely with larger ingestions. Prompt veterinary care improves the outcome. ### How much flapjack does a cat need to eat to get sick? The exact toxic dose for cats is not well established in veterinary research. Even a small bite can cause gastrointestinal signs in a sensitive cat. Your veterinarian will assess risk based on your cat's size, the amount eaten, and the signs you see. ### Will my cat get sick from just chewing on a flapjack leaf? Yes, chewing alone can cause signs. The toxic compounds are in the plant sap and leaf tissue, so even a few chews can release enough to irritate the mouth and stomach. Watch for drooling, vomiting, or pawing at the mouth. ### Are all succulents toxic to cats? No, not all succulents are toxic. Some, like certain Echeveria and Haworthia species, are generally considered safe. Others, including Kalanchoe, are toxic. Always confirm the exact species before bringing a succulent into a home with cats. ## Related Articles - [Are Lilies Toxic to Cats?](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/toxicology-and-food-safety/are-lilies-toxic-to-cats) - [Are Snake Plants Toxic To Cats](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/toxicology-and-food-safety/are-snake-plants-toxic-to-cats) - [What Plants Can Be Toxic To Cats](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/toxicology-and-food-safety/what-plants-can-be-toxic-to-cats) - [Plants Toxic To Cats](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/toxicology-and-food-safety/plants-toxic-to-cats) - [Are Spider Plants Toxic To Cats](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/toxicology-and-food-safety/are-spider-plants-toxic-to-cats) - [Houseplants Toxic To Cats Reddit](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/toxicology-and-food-safety/houseplants-toxic-to-cats-reddit) - [Are Succulents Harmful to Cats? Gasteria and Crassula](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/toxicology-and-food-safety/succulents-harmful-to-cats) - [Are Jade Plants Toxic to Cats? Crassula Safety Facts](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/toxicology-and-food-safety/jade-plant-toxic-to-cats) - [Is Echeveria Succulent Toxic to Cats? Safety Facts](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/toxicology-and-food-safety/echeveria-succulent-toxic-cats) ## References 1. [Poisonous plants](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20358683/). EXS, 2010. ## Further Reading - [ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center](https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control) - [ASPCA: People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets](https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/aspca-poison-control/people-foods-avoid-feeding-your-pets) - [U.S. Food and Drug Administration: Potentially Dangerous Items for Your Pet](https://www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/animal-health-literacy/potentially-dangerous-items-your-pet) - [Merck Veterinary Manual: Cat Owners](https://www.merckvetmanual.com/cat-owners) - [Cornell Feline Health Center: Health Information](https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center/health-information)