Are succulents poisonous for cats? In short, yes, there are many succulents that are poisonous. In interior decorating of the house, the indoor succulents do wonders from transferring a dull interior space of the house into one that is relaxing and lively home.
Succulents are among the different types of plants are supreme for their appearance but are they harmful to your cat?
Are succulents toxic for cats?
Yes, there are succulents that are poisonous to cats. However not every succulent is poisonous to cats. Fortunately, most of the succulents are not harmful and are non-toxic for cats to touch or eat.
So if you are a cat owner and you are willing to bring a succulent to your home it’s important for you to know if a succulent is harmful to your cat or not.
Succulents which are toxic to cats:
There are many succulents types which are harmful to cats but few which are quite popular within the homes are:
Euphorbia
The Euphorbia family is one of the most commonly known indoor succulents which is poisonous to cats. It contains a white sap in its leaf seeps out once it is picked. Its direct contact can irritate the skin and when ingested it can irritate the stomach of your cat.
Symptoms of toxicity in cats include: vomiting, nausea, skin irritation, diarrhoea.
Kalanchoe
Kalanchoes are extremely popular houseplants because of their diverse beauty and they are easy to care also. Although these succulents are not poisonous to humans they are poisonous to cats and many other animals.
Due to its taste, your pet may not ingest it but if you don’t trust your cat then it’s better to keep it out of reach for your cat.
Symptoms of toxicity include: Diarrhoea, vomiting, weakness, abnormal heart rate (rare), lethargy.
Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera is toxic to cats. Aloe Vera is a very common and widely used succulent. It is mostly used in medicines and cosmetic purposes. Aloe Vera is completely harmless for humans and is actually very beneficial but it is toxic for cats. It has thick and fleshy leaves which cats can often find fun to play with.
Symptoms of toxicity: lethargy, abdominal pain, nausea, skin irritation, tremors.
String of Pearls
These succulents have become popular recently due to their unique trailing habits and can grow up to 3 feet long. They can be mild to moderately toxic and ingesting them could lead to temporary medical consequences and therefore they are a succulent which is toxic to cats.
Symptoms of toxicity: skin irritation, drooling, lethargy, vomiting, and diarrhoea.
Jade Plant
Jade plants have 1400 different kinds of existence. These plants are difficult to kill and have a rubbery structure. Till now it is not well known that what type of toxic chemicals are found in the jade plants however, it is known that the Jade plant is harmful to cats.
Symptoms of toxicity to cats include: incoordination, depression, vomiting, and lethargy.
Are succulents safe for cats?
From most of the succulents types, there are also many succulents that are non- toxic and safe for cats. The list is too long to provide below but some of them are:
- Hoya
- Bromeliads
- Aeonium
- Burro’s Tail
- Mexican Firecracker
- Ghost Plant
- Plush Plant
What should I do if my cat eats a toxic plant?
If your cat chews or eats a plant or succulent which is toxic you should contact your veterinarian immediately for advice. Try to not panic, the majority of the time it can easily be sorted, however, always follow the advice of your Vet first.
Whether a succulent is safe or not safe for your cat you obviously don’t want that your cat eats your succulents. Unfortunately, this is a bit difficult because cats are attracted to chewy green leaves. Keep your succulents in a room or a place which your cat cannot get. You may also want to purchase some safe kitty grass for your cat to play with and chew on.