Is the Chinese Money Plant Safe for Cats?

The Chinese money plant scientifically known as Pilea peperomioides is an incredibly popular houseplant. Its distinctive round, coin-shaped leaves make it a unique addition to any indoor jungle. But is this trendy plant safe to have around cats?

For cat owners, it’s crucial to know which plants are toxic before inviting them into your home. Thankfully the Chinese money plant is non-toxic and pet-safe. However there are still steps you should take to keep your curious kitties safe.

Is the Chinese Money Plant Poisonous to Cats?

The good news is that the Chinese money plant is not poisonous or toxic to cats, dogs, or humans. Both the stems and leaves of this plant are free from hazardous toxins and chemicals.

That means if your cat takes a nibble from a Chinese money plant they will not suffer any serious side effects or illness. A small taste here and there is not dangerous.

However, it’s still best to keep the plant out of reach of pets. Eating significant quantities could potentially cause stomach upset, vomiting, or diarrhea due to the irritation and indigestibility of the plant matter.

Why Cats May Be Attracted to the Plant

Cats love to explore their environment and satisfy their curiosity. This often gets them into trouble with houseplants! Even though the Chinese money plant itself is non-toxic, here are some reasons why cats may be interested in it:

• The round coin-shaped leaves are intriguing and fun to bat around.

• It provides a place to scratch, chew, or rub against.

• Cats may be attracted to the earthy scent of potting soil.

• Cats may mistake it for grass and try to graze on it.

Potential Symptoms of Ingestion

While the Chinese money plant is not poisonous, eating too much could cause:

• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Drooling
• Loss of appetite
• Lethargy

If your cat exhibits any of these symptoms after exposure to the plant, contact your vet as a precaution. Serious toxicity is unlikely, but it’s better to be safe.

Making the Chinese Money Plant Cat-Safe

While the Chinese money plant is non-toxic for cats, you should still take precautions to limit cat access. Try these tips:

• Place out of reach on high shelves, windowsills, or hanging pots.

• Use barricades like screens or plant stands to block access.

• Consider a cat deterrent spray made with citrus or mint oils.

• Distract cats away from the plant with toys and treats.

• Grow cat grass in pots low to the ground for chewing.

• Keep other toxic plants away that may be mistaken for the Chinese money plant.

With planning, you can keep this popular, lucky houseplant safely in your home even with curious cats prowling around!

Pet-Safe Chinese Money Plant Alternatives

There are many great non-toxic houseplants to grow if you want to be extra cautious with pets. Here are some cat-safe alternatives to the Chinese money plant:

1. Spider Plant

Spider plants have long, thin leaves that cascade down from a central stalk. Their arched shape adds great visual interest while being perfectly safe for cats and dogs.

2. Ponytail Palm

The ponytail palm looks like a miniature palm tree with a bulbous base and long, drooping leaves. It’s an easy-care option that is pet and kid-friendly.

3. Peperomia

With over 1,000 species, peperomia offers incredible diversity with its fleshy leaves. It comes in many forms like trailing, upright, rippled, or patterned. All are non-toxic for pets.

4. Boston Fern

The graceful, arching fronds of the Boston fern make it a beautiful non-toxic choice. Its cascading shape also makes it hard for cats to reach.

5. Tillandsia

Known as air plants, tillandsia species can be safely kept around pets and don’t even need soil. Their sculptural shapes and minimal care requirements make them fun accent plants.

Other Potentially Toxic “Money Plants”

While the Chinese money plant itself is pet-safe, some other plants referred to as “money plants” are toxic to cats and dogs. Avoid:

• Pothos – Contains calcium oxalates
• Jade plant – Has unknown toxins
• Lucky bamboo – Contains taxiphyllin

So be sure you are getting an actual Pilea peperomioides, not one of these other money plants that can harm pets. Check scientific names when buying houseplants to be certain.

The round-leaved Chinese money plant is a gorgeous, trendy, and luck-bringing indoor plant. The great news for pet owners is that it is non-toxic and safe to keep in homes with cats. But do take precautions like keeping it out of reach to prevent curious cats from ingesting large amounts. With smart placement and supervision, both your cats and your Chinese money plant can thrive!