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Kalanchoe / Mother of Millions / Widow's Thrill / Flaming Katy
Kalanchoe spp.
Kalanchoe (Kalanchoe spp.), sold under names including Flaming Katy, Mother of Millions, and Widow's Thrill, is a popular succulent houseplant toxic to cats. It contains bufadienolide cardiac glycosides — related to but distinct from digitalis — concentrated throughout the plant. These compounds disrupt cardiac electrical conduction in a manner similar to Foxglove poisoning.
Important Notes
Toxic compounds: bufadienolide cardiac glycosides throughout leaves, stems, and flowers
Mechanism: bufadienolides inhibit the Na+/K+-ATPase pump in cardiac muscle cells, causing irregular heart rhythm
Symptoms: drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, abnormal heart rate (bradycardia or arrhythmia), collapse
All parts of the plant are toxic; the small plantlets ('pups') produced by Mother of Millions varieties are equally hazardous
Seek veterinary care promptly — cardiac glycoside toxicity can escalate quickly; any cardiac symptoms require emergency attention
Potentially Toxic Parts
Entire Plant
Flower
Possible Symptoms Reported in Cats
Abnormal Heart Rhythm (Arrhythmias), Bradycardia (Slow Heart Rate), or Tachycardia (Fast Heart Rate)
Cardiac · Within the first 2 hours; signs can persist for 4–5 days.
Weakness, Depression, Tremors, Ataxia (Loss of Coordination), Seizures (Rare)
Neurological · Within the first 2 hours.
Rapid Breathing (Tachypnea), Difficulty Breathing
Respiratory · Within the first 2 hours.
Hyperkalemia (High Potassium levels)
Hematological · Within the first 2 hours.
Vomiting, Diarrhea, Drooling (Hypersalivation), Abdominal Pain
Gastrointestinal · Within the first 2 hours after exposure.
Disclaimer: This summary was compiled from multiple sources and is for informational use only. It is not a diagnosis or treatment plan. Toxicity can vary based on the substance, amount, plant part, and individual cat. If you think your cat may have been exposed to a toxic substance, contact a veterinarian right away.