Is Pencil Cactus Toxic to Cats and Dogs?

Q: Is pencil cactus toxic to cats?

Toxic to cats. Pencil cactus sap is irritating to pets: it can cause vomiting and drooling if eaten, and eye contact can cause redness, swelling and, in severe cases, corneal ulcers.

Q: Is pencil cactus toxic to dogs?

Toxic to dogs. Pencil cactus sap is irritating to pets: it can cause vomiting and drooling if eaten, and eye contact can cause redness, swelling and, in severe cases, corneal ulcers.

Euphorbia tirucalli

Cats

🟠 Toxic

Dogs

🟠 Toxic

Short answer: Pencil cactus sap is irritating to pets: it can cause vomiting and drooling if eaten, and eye contact can cause redness, swelling and, in severe cases, corneal ulcers.

Think your pet ate pencil cactus? call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.

Signs to watch for

Vomiting
Drooling
Eye redness, swelling, squinting or pawing at the eye after contact

Why it’s a problem

Toxic principle: Irritant sap.

The ASPCA singles out pencil cactus among succulents because of its irritant sap.

Frequently asked questions

My cat got pencil cactus sap in its eye. What should I do?

Call your vet. The ASPCA notes eye contact can cause redness and swelling and, in severe cases, corneal ulcers.

Other plants

Peace Lily
Pothos (Devil’s Ivy)
Philodendron
Dieffenbachia (Dumbcane)
Calla Lily
Chinese Evergreen

Sources

ASPCA: Are Succulents Safe to Have Around Pets?

Last checked: 2026-11-11. General information, not veterinary advice.