Is crown of thorns toxic to cats and dogs?
Toxic to cats and dogs
Crown of thorns · Euphorbia milii
Crown of thorns is toxic to cats and dogs if chewed or ingested.
My pet ate some: what to do now
What to do if your pet ate it
If you think your cat or dog ate any part of a crown of thorns, act quickly. Do not wait for symptoms to appear.
- Remove the plant from the pet’s reach.
- Call your vet or an emergency animal clinic immediately.
- When you call, have the plant’s name or a photo ready. Tell the vet roughly how much your pet ate and when.
Do not induce vomiting unless a vet specifically instructs you to. It can make some poisonings worse.

Symptoms
Symptoms may include:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Drooling
- Loss of appetite
Non-toxic plants for similar light
Old man cactusCephalocereus senilisBright / direct lightPet-safe
BasilOcimum basilicumBright / direct lightPet-safe
Arabian jasmineJasminum sambacBright / direct lightPet-safe
EcheveriaEcheveria spp.Bright / direct lightPet-safeSee all pet-safe alternatives →
Pet-safety information in the JungleBook uses NC State Extension Plant Toolbox where available. It is reference information, not veterinary advice. NC State Extension Plant Toolbox lists the whole Euphorbia genus, so this applies to every Euphorbia species, including this one.
All crown of thorns guides
Related plants
Common questions
Is crown of thorns toxic to cats?
Yes, crown of thorns is toxic to cats. If your cat chews or ingests any part of the plant, contact your vet or a pet poison control center right away. Symptoms can include vomiting, diarrhea, and drooling.
Is crown of thorns toxic to dogs?
Yes, crown of thorns is toxic to dogs. Contact your vet immediately if your dog eats any part of it. Do not wait for symptoms.
What should I do if my cat ate crown of thorns?
Call your vet or an emergency animal clinic immediately. You can also contact a pet poison control center. Try to bring a piece of the plant or a photo so the vet can identify the species. Do not try to induce vomiting unless instructed by a professional.
Can I keep crown of thorns with pets?
Crown of thorns is toxic to cats and dogs, so it is best kept out of reach: ideally in a room your pets cannot access, or replaced with a non-toxic alternative. See the pet-safe alternatives listed on this page.
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