Bringing home a new succulent plant can be an exciting way to add some greenery and vibrancy to your home. However as a responsible cat owner it’s crucial to be aware of which succulents can pose a toxicity risk for your furry feline friends before making any new plant purchases. While many succulents are perfectly safe, there are a number unfortunately that can cause harm if ingested by cats.
In this article, we’ll provide visual examples of 12 common succulents poisonous to cats, discuss symptoms of toxicity, and offer tips to keep your cats safe and healthy around succulents
1. Jade Plant (Crassula ovata)
The jade plant, also known as the money plant, is a popular succulent known for its thick, rounded leaves. Its thick woody stems and vibrant green coloring make it a frequently utilized houseplant. However, jade plants contain toxic elements that can cause vomiting, lethargy, and difficulty swallowing if ingested by cats. It’s best to keep jade plants out of reach of curious cats.
2. Kalanchoe (Kalanchoe blossfeldiana)
With its vibrant blooms, Kalanchoe is a popular flowering succulent. However, most Kalanchoe varieties contain toxins that can be harmful to cats if ingested. Common symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, and gastrointestinal distress. It’s best to keep Kalanchoe plants out of reach of cats.![Kalanchoe][]
3. Pencil Cactus (Euphorbia tirucalli)
With green pencil-like stems, it’s easy to see where this plant gets its common name. However, the pencil cactus contains a toxic, milky sap that can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and oral irritation if ingested by cats. It’s best to keep this eye-catching succulent out of reach. ![Pencil Cactus][]
4. Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)
The snake plant, often called mother-in-law’s tongue, is a popular low-maintenance houseplant. However, it contains saponins that can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and oral irritation in cats. Keep this tropical-looking succulent up and out of reach.![Snake Plant][]
5. String of Pearls (Senecio rowleyanus)
This trailing succulent is named for its pearl-like balls dangling along vining stems. However, it contains toxins that can cause vomiting and diarrhea. The dangling strings also pose a strangulation risk for cats. It’s safest to keep string of pearls out of reach of cats.![String of Pearls][]
6. Ponytail Palm (Beaucarnea recurvata)
The ponytail palm is not a true palm, but a succulent characterized by a bulbous base and long, trailing leaves. Toxic compounds can cause vomiting and diarrhea in cats. The trailing leaves also pose a risk of strangulation. ![Ponytail Palm][]
7. Aloe (Aloe vera)
Aloe plants are very common succulents grown both indoors and outdoors. They contain compounds called anthraquinones that can irritate cats’ gastrointestinal tracts, causing vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain if ingested.![Aloe][]
8. Crown of Thorns (Euphorbia milii)
This spiky succulent lives up to its name with thorny growth lending it an uninviting texture. It also contains irritants that can cause excessive salivation, vomiting, and diarrhea if ingested by cats. It’s safest to admire this plant from a distance.![Crown of Thorns][]
9. Panda Plant (Kalanchoe tomentosa)
Furry in texture with brown tipped leaves, this succulent is reminiscent of a panda bear. However, it contains toxins harmful to cats if ingested, primarily cardiac glycosides. Vomiting, diarrhea, and abnormal heart rhythms can occur. ![Panda Plant][]
10. Paper Spine Cactus (Tephrocactus articulatus)
This small, round cactus has a distinctive paper-like appearance. The spines can penetrate a curious cat’s mouth and skin, while ingestion can cause excessive salivation, vomiting, and diarrhea. It poses a significant hazard and is best avoided in homes with cats. ![Paper Spine Cactus][]
11. Blue Chalk Sticks (Senecio serpens)
This blue-hued succulent has an alluring color but can cause vomiting and diarrhea if ingested by cats. It’s recommended to keep it up high and out of reach. The small ball-shaped leaves could also present a choking risk.![Blue Chalk Sticks][]
12. Burro’s Tail (Sedum morganianum)
With trailing, tail-like stems, it’s easy to see how this succulent got its name. However, danger lies in those dangling ends, as they can cause choking or gastrointestinal obstruction if chewed or swallowed by cats. It’s safest to keep this out of reach.![Burro’s Tail][]
Tips for Keeping Cats Safe Around Succulents
- Carefully research plants and toxicity before bringing home any new succulent. When in doubt, avoid the plant altogether.
- Place toxic succulents completely out of reach of cats, such as on high shelves. Cats are agile and curious climbers.
- Opt for enclosed terrariums rather than open pots for toxic succulents you wish to keep.
- Train cats not to nibble on houseplants from a young age. Provide plenty of safe alternatives like cat grass.
- Keep cats away from areas where succulents are being handled, to prevent access to fallen leaves or stems.
- Consult your veterinarian about options to induce vomiting if ingestion is suspected.
With knowledge and proper precautions, you can maintain a safe environment for both your beloved cat and succulent collection. Do plenty of research before exposing cats to any new plants in the home. By being aware of poisonous succulents for cats and taking preventative steps, you can avoid accidents and keep your feline companions healthy.
1 Cotyledon orbiculata (Pig’s Ear)
Cotyledon tomentosa, commonly known as Bears Claw, is a succulent plant from the Crassulaceae family. This small, perennial succulent comes from South Africa. Its compact growth habit and unique fuzzy, silver-green leaves make it a popular choice for decoration. Its leaves resemble a bears paw, giving it the common name “Bears Claw. “.
When consumed in large amounts, Cotyledon tomentosa is considered toxic to pets. It contains compounds that can cause gastrointestinal distress and irritation. Pets that eat this plant may have problems like drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, and stomach pain. If a pet eats Cotyledon tomentosa, it may experience oral irritation, excessive drooling, and digestive issues. In some cases, more severe symptoms like lethargy, weakness, or changes in behavior might manifest.
Cotyledon tomentosa is not usually very dangerous to humans, but it is still best to be careful when handling the plant to avoid skin irritation or allergic reactions. The milky sap found in the leaves can cause skin irritation or dermatitis, especially in individuals with sensitivities. Using protective gloves when handling the plant and ensuring proper hand hygiene by thoroughly washing afterwards is recommended.
Credit: worldofsucculents.com
1 Euphorbia tirucalli (Pencil Cactus)
Euphorbia tirucalli, also known as Firestick Plant or Pencil Cactus, is a succulent shrub from the Euphorbiaceae family. It features distinctive green, cylindrical branches resembling pencils or sticks. This succulent is native to Africa, but it has become popular around the world because of its unique look. It is often grown as an ornamental plant.
Pets can get sick from Euphorbia tirucalli’s milky sap if they eat it or get it in their eyes or on their skin. As a result of its irritants and toxins, the sap can make pets vomit, have diarrhea, drool, and have skin irritations. Contact with the sap may result in skin irritation, redness, swelling, and itching. It is possible for pets to get stomach problems, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and excessive salivation if they eat the plant.
For humans, Euphorbia tirucalli is considered toxic primarily due to the irritant properties of its sap. Coming into contact with the sap can result in skin and eye irritation. Ingestion of the plant can result in gastrointestinal symptoms and, in rare instances, more severe systemic effects. Handling Euphorbia tirucalli should be done cautiously, using protective gloves when necessary, and avoiding contact with the sap. If any adverse reactions occur, seeking medical advice is recommended.
What Succulents Are Safe For Cats and Dogs?? | Toxic & Non-toxic Succulents| Pet Friendly Succulents
FAQ
What succulent is toxic to cats?
What happens if my cat bites my succulent?
What is the most toxic plant to cats?
Why is my cat eating my succulents?
Are succulents poisonous to cats?
The good news is that most succulents are non-toxic to cats. But what about the rest? Some succulents can indeed poison your cat. So, if you want to keep these low-maintenance plants in the same area as your cat, you need to be careful choosing which varieties to keep.
Which succulents are safe for cats & dogs?
These are a safe option for cats, dogs, and even horses. The variegated wax plant is not just cat-friendly, but it’s also dog-friendly. If you have a multi-pet home, this gorgeous, green succulent is a safe bet. This beautiful, blue succulent is as stunning as it is popular. Best of all? They’re safe for all pets!
Can a prickly succulent poison a cat?
Symptoms of poisoning include kidney failure, tremors, and drooling. Crown of Thorns – This prickly succulent contains toxic sap that can poison cats, causing symptoms including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. However, even contact with the plant can irritate your cat.
What happens if a cat eats a succulent?
If your cat happens to eat a toxic succulent, Renee Schmid, DVM, DABVT, DABT, and Senior Veterinarian Toxicologist at the Pet Poison Helpline says your cat will typically experience gastrointestinal upset, i.e. vomiting, anorexia, or diarrhea. The one plant in particular that should be avoided? Aloe vera.