Many succulents are poisonous to cats. Today I share with you a list of some of these plants. Learn all about succulent toxic to cats in this article.
Are Succulents Toxic for Cats
Not all succulents are toxic to pets. But, some of the succulents I share with you today are grown indoors without knowing that they are poisonous to cats. Some are even beneficial to humans but can be very harmful to cats.
Although the list is aimed at plants that are poisonous to cats, it could also include dogs and birds.
Succulent Toxic to Cats: Kalanchoe
Although Kalanchoes are beautiful and some have brightly colored flowers, it is known to be toxic to pets.
If Kalanchoe is ingested, the cat may experience excessive drooling, diarrhea, or vomiting. In severe cases, the cat may exhibit abnormal heart rate, general weakness, dilated pupils, or cardiac arrhythmias.
Succulents of the Kalanchoe family carry a toxin that affects the heart. The toxic nature of this plant is because it contains bufadienolides, a steroid in the form of a glycoside. The same chemical is carried by poison toads. These toads secrete venom from their skin when predators attempt to eat them.
The mother of thousands Kalanchoe is said to be medicinal for humans. The problem is that many Kalanchoes are very similar to each other, and some are toxic to humans and some are not.
Succulent Toxic to Cats: Aloe vera
Aloe vera is useful for humans, but it is a toxic succulent for cats. It causes vomiting and diarrhea.
The saponins and anthraquinones found in aloe vera are to blame for stomach irritation. Some types of aloe can even turn a cat’s urine red.
Euphorbias
These are not succulents, but we thought it was important to add them to the list. If you have pruned a Euphorbia, you may have noticed that they produce a white sap. This latex is known to irritate when it comes in contact with human and animal skin.
If ingested, it irritates the mouth and stomach. Moderate ingestion causes vomiting and when consumed in excess can cause liver and kidney problems.
Some Euphorbia plants are the poinsettia, finger tree, and African milk tree.
Jade and Elephant Bush
Side effects a cat may experience after ingesting some leaves of the jade plant (Crassula ovata) and Elephant Bush (Portulacaria afra) can include vomiting, uncoordinated movements, and stomach upset.
There are more than 1,400 different types of jade plants, so it is important to know if you have one at home.
String of Pearls
Senecio rowleyanus has some very similar toxicity traits to the plants listed above.
String of Pearls is a mild skin irritant if touched and, if ingested by cats, may cause symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, indigestion, drooling, and may even appear intoxicated.
The cat may begin to stumble, excessive sluggishness and inability to focus its eyes.
Beware of children. The curious leaves of this plant look like small grapes and are very eye-catching to children.
I have seen cats strolling, even napping on top of these plants without any problems. On the other hand, other cats are more curious and have not resisted the temptation to eat some of the leaves of these succulents.
These are some toxic succulents for cats, below we share a list of toxic plants for cats. In case of an emergency, contact your veterinarian.
