Kalanchoe / Mother of Millions / Widow's Thrill / Flaming Katy

Symptoms reported in cats

Most serious first.

1. 1
   Abnormal heart rhythm (arrhythmias), bradycardia, or tachycardia Within the first 2 hours; signs can persist for 4–5 days. · The cardiac glycosides inhibit the Na+/K+ ATPase pump, leading to electrolyte imbalances (hyperkalemia) and potentially fatal heart block or collapse. The flowers contain the highest concentration of toxins.
2. 2
   Weakness, Depression, Tremors, Ataxia (Loss of Coordination), Seizures (Rare) Within the first 2 hours. · Neurological signs like paralysis and tremors indicate significant toxicity. Weakness is a common early sign alongside gastrointestinal upset.
3. 3
   Rapid Breathing (Tachypnea), Difficulty Breathing Within the first 2 hours. · Rapid breathing often accompanies cardiac and neurological distress.
4. 4
   Hyperkalemia (High Potassium levels) Within the first 2 hours. · This condition results from the inhibition of the sodium-potassium pump and requires careful monitoring and treatment (e.g., insulin/dextrose or sodium bicarbonate) to prevent cardiac arrest.
5. 5
   Vomiting, Diarrhea, Drooling (Hypersalivation), Abdominal Pain Within the first 2 hours after exposure. · These are the most frequent symptoms. Persistent vomiting can lead to dehydration.

Important notes

Kalanchoe (Kalanchoe spp.) is a popular succulent houseplant sold under names such as Flaming Katy, Mother of Millions, and Widow’s Thrill. It is toxic to cats. Kalanchoe contains bufadienolide cardiac glycosides. These chemicals can disturb the electrical signals that keep the heart beating normally. Smaller exposures often start with stomach upset, but larger exposures can affect heart rhythm. A cat that eats kalanchoe may vomit, have diarrhea, drool, seem weak, or lose interest in food. Serious cases can cause an abnormal heartbeat, collapse, or seizures. Keep kalanchoe plants away from cats, and call a veterinarian promptly if your cat eats any part of the plant.

• 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