Cats should not have direct access to poinsettias, but the plant is usually only mildly toxic rather than deadly.

How toxic poinsettias are

Poinsettias contain a milky sap that can irritate a cat’s mouth, stomach, and sometimes skin or eyes if chewed or rubbed against. Most cases cause mild signs like drooling, vomiting, or soft stool, and serious poisoning is rare because a cat would usually need to eat a large amount.

Safety around the plant

The safest option is to keep poinsettias out of your home if you have a nibble-prone cat, or at least behind a closed door or in an area your cat cannot reach. If you do keep one, supervise your cat, offer safe alternatives like cat grass, and use deterrents or placement so the cat is not tempted to chew the leaves.

What to do if your cat eats some

If your cat chews a poinsettia, expect possible drooling, mild vomiting, or seeming “off” for a short time, and remove any plant material from their mouth and offer fresh water. Contact a vet or pet poison helpline right away if your cat eats a lot of the plant, vomits repeatedly, seems in pain, very lethargic, or shows eye irritation or facial swelling.