While as per the survey, succulent plants are one of the desired houseplants by plantsperson. It is one of the quickest and easiest houseplants to look after, as it requires low maintenance.
However, are succulents toxic to cats? If ingested by feline, then what are the consequences to be faced?
Let’s have a look at the list of toxic and safe succulent plants for your kitty.
Are Succulents Poisonous to Cats?
The short answer is yes, succulents are poisonous to cats. In fact, toxic succulents plants contain cardiac toxins and saponin, ingestion of even a small amount of these toxic succulent plants might lead to symptoms like lethargy, diarrhea, etc. However, there are non-toxic succulents plants like Christmas cactus, Burro’s Tail, that will not cause any health issues to your feline.
So, if you want to add succulent plants to your collection, then choose wisely which varieties are safe for your kitty.
Succulent Plants That Are Not Safe for Your Kitty
The succulent plant is a lot in demand and those who love gardening, prefer to add a collection of succulent plants in their backyard.
Well, if you are a nature lover but on the other hand you are parenting a cat then it becomes tricky for you in the selection of plants for your backyard as you have to keep in mind your kitty’s health.
Before you add a succulent plant to your backyard, make sure you are not adding any toxic plant to your list.
Here, are the list of succulent plant which are toxic for your felines, so avoid adding those to your list.
1. Kalanchoe
This pretty blossom, the attractive plant, is not fit for your gardening when you have a feline at home. It is also called the devil’s backbone, the mother of millions.
It contains a substance that is a cardiac toxin in nature. The ingestion of a small amount of plant might cause her stomach upset. Or if in any case, she has eaten in large amount then it can lead to serious symptoms of poisoning which result in fluctuation of heartbeat, poisoning, vomiting, weakness, etc.
2. Aloe Vera
As we all know, it’s one of the popular succulent plants and every alternate house prefers to keep it, because it’s good for skin, hair, etc. In short, Aloe Vera is a home remedy for skincare.
Well, it might be good for humans, but on the other hand, it works as a poison for felines.
This plant contains saponin, which is poisonous for cats and dogs. If your feline ingests aloe vera, she might show symptoms of lethargy, depression, diarrhea, mucus, urine color changes, etc.
So, if you notice such symptoms in your kitty, consult the vet. It is advisable to not keep aloe vera in the house if you are parenting a cat because it is not safe for her.
3. Jade Plants
Another name for the Jade plant is the Crassula ovata, money plant, or lucky plant. Just like Aloe Vera, this one is also easy to grow, and it has a thick stem, olive leaf look which also resembles a tree-like appearance.
It is also considered one of the toxic succulent plants for your kitty. If by chance you have this plant at your place, then keep it out of your kitty’s reach.
If your kitty ingested this plant, it will cause her stomach upset and might also affect her brain which might lead to incoordination issues.
4. Euphorbia
The Euphorbia is also known as spurge. This family has a large collection of different plants, including pencil cactus and crown of thorns.
The most dangerous part of this plant is that it has milky sap, it contains substances that can cause skin irritations. So, if you have this plant in your house, then it’s better to get rid of it.
If by any chance your kitty ingested this plant, its cactus structure might hurt her throat and milky sap can cause discomfort, skin irritation, and gastrointestinal to your kitty.
Your kitty’s stomach, mouth, eyes, can suffer from irritation. If you notice any such symptoms in your feline, then immediately seek help from the veterinarian.
Succulent Plants That Are Safe for Your Kitty
Well, so far, we have discussed, which succulent plants you should avoid if you are parenting a cat.
Now, let’s explore toxic-free succulent plants available in the market, which you can add to your gardening look.
For instance, Christmas cactus, Burro’s Tail, Hens, and Chicks, etc.
If you are really looking to give a magic look to your garden with succulent plants. Then, we have some toxic-free succulent plants suggestions that will go perfect for cat owners’ houses.
1. Burro’s Tail
The Burro’s tail is the best option to display in hanging planters or on shelves. It also gives a very attractive look with red and pink flowers.
This plant doesn’t get bloom in summer and stays fresh for long period. You can add this beauty to your gardening look and give a hanging planter look also.
If you have cats in your house, still you can add this toxic-free succulent plant to your house. As it will not harm your feline, and plus, it’s more like a hanging planter, so your kitty won’t be able to reach out easily.
2. Hens and Chicks
Another name of Hens and Chicks is Houseleek, which is also considered, one of the most popular houseplants.
It’s easy to plant this beauty in your garden, doesn’t require much maintenance and the bonus point for pet parents is it is a toxic-free succulent plant, so they don’t have to worry about their kitty’s health.
This plant is available in various varieties, and you can plant it anywhere, as it doesn’t have any specific requirements.
Even if your kitty is attracted to this plant because of its visual appearance, you don’t have to worry as it is toxic-free and in case she nibbles them, nothing will happen to her.
3. Haworthia
Haworthia is also known as the Zebra Cactus. It is one of the best indoor-friendly plants, as well as easy to care for. In other words, doesn’t need much regular attention.
If you are an Aloe Vera lover but could plant it because of your kitty’s safety. Then, Haworthia fasciata is the best alternative option, this easy-go succulent plant has similar look to aloe vera but is not toxic.
So, now you have the best aloe vera alternative option, plant this toxic-free succulent plant in your backyard, and at the same time, you can chill with your kitty in your backyard.
What to do if Your Kitty Ingested a Toxic Succulent?
If you are one of those pet parents who love gardening and planting aloe vera in your backyard. Unaware, of the fact, that it is poisonous for your kitty.
And in your absence, by any chance, your feline pal has ingested part of aloe vera, which could lead to severe health issues.
In that scenario, without wasting time, call her vet. Take your kitty directly to the vet clinic, and don’t forget to carry the sample of aloe vera. So that, it will help the vet in your kitty’s treatment.
You can also contact:-
ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center – (888) 426-4435
Pet Poison Helpline – (855) 764-7661
How to Keep Your Kitty Safe From Poisonous Succulents?
So, now you are well aware, of which succulent plants are toxic for your kitty. Now, let’s explore some ideas which can help you to keep your kitty out of reach of any toxic succulent plant.
- The best way is, don’t keep any succulent toxic plants at home. No toxicity, no worry, it’s as simple as that.
- If by chance, you already have those toxic succulent plant at your place, then no need to get rid of it. Simply, shift those plants to other area where your kitty couldn’t sense it.
- Another way, before buying a succulent plant, you can go through our toxic plant list or can research a Latin name of the plant, that might help you to identify whether it’s safe to keep when feline is around.
- You have adapted every possible ways of hiding the existing toxic succulent plant but still your kitty is able to find it. In that case, you can do one thing, trick your kitty by offering her other greenery plants to eat which is healthy for them.
Conclusion
Here, we will conclude our blog, are succulents toxic to cats?
Hopefully, we were able to solve your queries and give you a fair view.
That whether it’s safe for you to keep succulent plants in your garden/backyard when you are parenting a feline.
So, now you know, pretty well, that you can add succulent plants but only toxic-free ones.
If you keep the toxic succulent plant in your kitty’s presence, then there are chances she will try to eat it, and rest you know the consequences very well.
So, it’s better to be safe, than feel sorry.
References
- Are succulents safe to have around pets? — ASPCA
- Are succulents poisonous to cats? — Emergency Vet 24/7
- Succulents safe for cats [and which ones to avoid] — Planted Pot