Pictures of Succulents Poisonous to Cats – A Complete Visual Guide
Bringing home new plants can be an exciting way to liven up your home décor and add some natural beauty However, as a responsible cat owner, it’s crucial to research plant toxicity before making any new additions While many common houseplants are feline-friendly, unfortunately there are also a number of succulents poisonous to cats that must be avoided.
In this article, we’ll provide photos and descriptions of 12 popular succulents poisonous to cats so you can easily identify and steer clear of them We’ll also discuss symptoms of toxicity and give tips to keep your curious kitties safe
- Jade Plant (Crassula ovata)
The jade plant, also known as the money plant or friendship tree is a common succulent known for its thick, rounded leaves and woody stems. Its shiny green foliage makes it a popular houseplant. However jade plants contain insoluble calcium oxalates that can cause oral irritation, excessive drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing if ingested by cats. It’s best to keep jade plants completely out of reach of cats.
- Kalanchoe (Kalanchoe blossfeldiana)
With its tropical blooms, Kalanchoe is a popular flowering succulent. However, most Kalanchoe varieties contain cardioactive steroids that can be toxic to cats. Ingestion can cause gastrointestinal signs like vomiting and diarrhea, as well as abnormal heart rhythms in some cases. All species should be kept away from cats.
- Pencil Cactus (Euphorbia tirucalli)
With its green, pencil-like branches, the pencil cactus is named for its unique shape. However, it contains a toxic, milky sap that can cause oral irritation, excessive drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea in cats if ingested or if they come in contact with the sap. Keep this eye-catching succulent out of paw’s reach.
- Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)
The snake plant, often called mother-in-law’s tongue, has dramatic upright leaves. However, it contains saponins that can cause nausea, vomiting, and oral irritation in cats if ingested. This tropical-looking succulent is safest when kept in an out-of-reach spot.
- String of Pearls (Senecio rowleyanus)
This vining succulent gets its name from the round, pea-like leaves that dangle along its trailing stems. It contains toxic alkaloids that can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy in cats. The thin dangling vines also pose a strangulation hazard for curious cats. Keep this plant completely out of reach of felines.
- Ponytail Palm (Beaucarnea recurvata)
Despite its name, the ponytail palm is not a true palm but a succulent known for its swollen base and long, trailing leaves. It contains saponins and alkaloids that can cause gastrointestinal signs like vomiting and diarrhea if cats ingest any part of the plant. The leaves also pose a strangulation risk.
- Aloe (Aloe vera)
Aloe is a very common succulent used both indoors and outdoors. It contains anthraquinone glycosides that can irritate cats’ gastrointestinal tracts, causing vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain if ingested. Keep aloe plants in spaces inaccessible to cats.
- Crown of Thorns (Euphorbia milii)
This spiny succulent is aptly named for the sharp thorns covering its branches. It contains irritant toxins that can cause excessive drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea in cats if ingested. Admire this risky succulent from afar to keep cats safe. Keep it isolated behind a closed door or high on a shelf.
- Panda Plant (Kalanchoe tomentosa)
Named for its furry leaves tipped in brown, the panda plant is trendy but toxic. Ingestion can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and abnormal heartbeats in cats due to its cardiac glycoside compounds. Avoid this seemingly harmless succulent around felines.
- Blue Chalk Sticks (Senecio serpens)
This blue-hued succulent has curious cylindrical leaves. But it contains toxins that can cause gastrointestinal upset like vomiting and diarrhea in cats. Its small leaves could also present a choking hazard. Keep this plant well out of reach of curious cats.
- Burro’s Tail (Sedum morganianum)
With its trailing stems and closely stacked leaves, it’s easy to see how this succulent got its name. However, its low-hanging stems pose risks of choking or intestinal obstruction to cats. It’s safest to keep this attractive succulent completely out of reach of pets.
- String of Bananas (Senecio radicans)
Like its close relative string of pearls, this trailing succulent has dangling strings of foliage. The small, banana-shaped leaves contain toxins that can irritate the digestive tract. It’s best to keep cats away from this dangling plant.
Tips for Protecting Cats From Harmful Succulents
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Research a succulent’s toxicity thoroughly before bringing it home if you have cats. When in doubt, avoid the plant.
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Place hazardous succulents far out of reach of cats, such as on high shelves or in hanging planters. Keep them in rooms pets can’t access.
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Consider cat-safe alternatives like echeveria, haworthia, Christmas cactus, and wax plant.
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Keep cats away while watering or handling toxic plants to prevent ingestion of fallen leaves.
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Train cats not to chew on houseplants from a young age by providing approved alternatives like cat grass.
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If ingestion occurs, contact your vet about options to induce vomiting and monitor cats closely for adverse effects.
With proper precautions, you can keep beloved feline friends safe around your succulent collection. Identifying and avoiding poisonous succulents for cats is crucial. Do plenty of research before exposing cats to new plants, and when in doubt, leave it out. Stay vigilant and keep hazardous species sequestered to protect curious and playful cats.
Succulents Toxic to Pets
The Jade Plant, scientifically known as Crassula Ovata, is a well-liked succulent from the Crassulaceae plant family. Native to South Africa, this slow-growing succulent features thick, fleshy leaves in an oval shape, giving it a tree-like appearance. It is commonly cultivated as an indoor houseplant or used for ornamental purposes outdoors. Click here to learn how to care for jade plants.
The toxic substances in Crassula ovata can cause gastrointestinal upset, including symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea. In more severe cases, ingestion of the plant may lead to lethargy, depression, and even more serious complications.
Euphorbia tirucalli ‘Sticks on Fire’
As colorful and fun as ‘Sticks on Fire’ is, you’ll want to keep it away from your pets. This plant, along with other Euphorbia, contains a white sap that can irritate skin as well as cause harm if ingested. If you live in a warm climate it’s not uncommon to find this plant in landscaping, so make sure to keep an eye out for it when you’re on a walk and keep your four legged friend away.
Crassula ovata, or Jade Plant, is a classic plant that many people enjoy having in their homes. It is low maintenance and has a modern look and feel to it. However, if you have pets, you might want to keep this one up out of reach. While not as toxic as others on the list, it can cause your pet discomfort if they decide to snack on it.
Although it’s named after an animal, Snake Plant isn’t a succulent you’ll want to keep around your pets. It can cause a variety of gastrointestinal symptoms in your pet, so be sure to put it out of reach or don’t grow this succulent in your home. This plant is also commonly used in large buildings and hotels, so if you’re out and about with your pet, be sure to keep an eye out.
This beautiful blue-gray succulent is a unique twist on the traditional Jade plant. Much like it’s relative though, Silver Dollar Jade can be toxic to cats and dogs. You’re best off putting this in a room where your pet isn’t allowed, or not bringing it home at all.
These are just a few of many succulents that can harm your furry friends. Be sure to do your research before bringing a new plant into your home, especially if you know your pet is extra curious. For even more information, the ASPCA has a great resource on plants and toxicity.
Which Succulents Are Poisonous to Dogs and Cats?
FAQ
What succulent is toxic to cats?
Certain succulents are toxic for cats and dogs, including Aloe Vera, Crassula (Jade), Euphorbia (such as Pencil Cactus or Crown of Thorns), Kalanchoe, and Sansevieria (Snake Plant).
What happens if my cat bites my succulent?
The signs of poisoning if your cat eats a succulent can vary based on the type of succulent he ate, but there are some common symptoms to be familiar with. “Most of them will cause vomiting and diarrhea,” Dr. Grieve said. “Euphorbia and kalanchoe cause hypersalivation and oral irritation.
How to identify succulents?
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Fleshy Parts:Succulents are defined by their ability to store water in their leaves, stems, or roots, giving them a fleshy or swollen appearance.
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Leaf Shape and Size:
- Rosette: Some succulents form a rosette shape, with leaves radiating outwards from a central point (e.g., Echeveria, Sempervivum).
- Long, Thin Leaves: Others have long, thin leaves, like those of Agave or Haworthia.
- Thick, Round Leaves: Some have thick, round leaves, like Sedum or Cotyledon.
- Rosette: Some succulents form a rosette shape, with leaves radiating outwards from a central point (e.g., Echeveria, Sempervivum).
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Color:Succulents come in a wide range of colors, including greens, blues, purples, and reds, which can be influenced by environmental factors like sunlight.
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Stem Characteristics:
- Tree-like: Some succulents can grow into tree-like structures (e.g., Euphorbia species).
- Branched: Others have branched or trailing stems.
- Erect: Some have an erect growth habit with few or no leaves.
- Tree-like: Some succulents can grow into tree-like structures (e.g., Euphorbia species).
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Flowers:
- Shape: Flowers can be tubular, star-shaped, or bell-shaped.
- Color: Flower colors vary greatly, from white and pink to red and yellow.
- Bloom Patterns: Some succulents bloom once in their lifetime, while others bloom multiple times.
- Shape: Flowers can be tubular, star-shaped, or bell-shaped.
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Other Features:
- Markings or Bumps: Some succulents have unique markings or bumps on their leaves.
- Ciliate Hairs: Some have hairs on their leaves or stems.
- Epidermal Wax: Some have a waxy coating on their leaves.
- Markings or Bumps: Some succulents have unique markings or bumps on their leaves.
What if my cat eats a piece of my succulent?
If you suspect your cat has ingested any toxic plants, contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 immediately.
Are succulents poisonous to cats?
The succulent is poisonous because it contains daigremontianin a toxic steroid. When cats ingest it, they might experience weakness, diarrhea, and vomiting. In some cases, it may also cause abnormal heart rate, collapse, tremors, and seizures.
Are succulents a good houseplant for cats?
It’s no wonder succulents are such popular houseplants. These striking specimens often thrive on neglect and are compact enough to work in even the tiniest apartments. But, if you’re looking for species that fit in with your feline friends, you’ll want to pass over prickly cacti and toxic succulents, like jade plants.
Can cats eat succulents?
The succulent has bufadienolide cardiac glycosides which can have fatal outcomes when ingested. In normal circumstances, the levels of toxicity are mild or moderate and rarely get to severe. However, ingestion of the plant by cats causes vomiting, diarrhea, stomach upsets.
Are senecios poisonous to cats?
However, the succulent is toxic to cats because it has saponins and anthraquinones. If ingested by cats, it causes vomiting, diarrhea, red urine, abdominal pain, and lethargy. Some Senecios are also poisonous succulents for cats and include String of pearls, Blue chalk sticks, and String of bananas.
Are jade plants poisonous to cats?
These succulents are also poisonous to cats who may vomit after chewing on them, causing depression symptoms. At the same time, the leaves of this Jade Plant can be irritating to cats and dogs if ingested while causing lethargy.
Are Christmas cactus poisonous to dogs?
The Christmas cactus is one of the pot plants commonly reared in homesteads but is considered poisonous to dogs. While the plant is not poisonous to cats, its milk can cause problems to the dogs eating on them. Cacti qualify to be regarded as succulents since they can be planted at home and do not require much water to maintain.