Succulent plants can make your home look beautiful. These houseplants are simple to maintain and may be grown indoors and outdoors. But if you have cats inside, you may wonder if the succulent plant on your lunch table is safe. Let’s find out whether or not succulents are poisonous to cats or not.
The simple answer is that not all succulents are toxic to cats, but a few are, so it’s essential to identify which ones are safe. The vast majority of succulents are safe to consume, but there are some exceptions that you must be aware of.
Continue reading to find out which are safe to consume and which of these you should avoid at all costs.
What Are Succulents?
Plants that are succulents have thick, thick leaves that can hold large amounts of water. Because of their capacity to store water, they are hardy enough to survive in arid environments, and the fact that they require so little care and attention make them a popular option for outdoor and indoor plant life. They are really attractive when displayed on tables or a baker’s rack.
Do Cats Like Succulents?
Cats are naturally curious, and some want to learn more about anything that catches their eye. Not all kitties will be interested in the plant, but some may find it appealing and take a bite or two to learn more about the strange object. If you have a naturally curious cat and want to investigate, you should know whether or not the succulent plant in your home is poisonous. If you can’t find clear information, it’s best to consult your vet for confirmation.
Which Types of Succulents Are Poisonous for Cats?
Before you go to the flower shop and buy a bunch of succulents for the house or yard, you might wonder if they are poisonous to felines. You must avoid being in contact with the following types of plants at all costs:
- Aloe vera
- Jade
- Euphorbia
- Kalanchoe
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is a popular succulent used in anything from after-sun gel to flavoured fluids and vitamins. On the other hand, aloe vera includes a substance known as saponin, which is poisonous to cats.
Additionally, it has anthraquinone glycosides, which induce the intestines to expel the contents that are currently there. When bacteria in a cat’s intestines break down these substances, they generate mucus and an excess proportion of water simultaneously. This mixture may result in nausea and vomiting as a side effect. In addition to showing indications of lethargy and sadness, cats who have consumed aloe vera may also experience a change in the colour of their urine and a loss of appetite. There is also the possibility of tremors occurring.
Jade
The jade plant, also called Crassula ovata, is commonly referred to as the money tree, money plant, or fortunate tree. Its scientific name is Crassula ovata. Like aloe vera, jade is a common houseplant that is simple to cultivate and can grow on many people’s windowsills. Jade plants look like trees because they have thick, woody stalks and fat, oval leaves.
There are many kinds of jade, and it is essential to keep all of them out of the reach of cats. Your cat may have gastrointestinal distress and incoordination symptoms if they consume jade.
Euphorbia
The plant genus known as Euphorbia has a wide variety of plant species, ranging from small, low-growing plants to enormous, spreading trees.
There are several succulents of the genus Euphorbia that are poisonous to felines. Two examples of this are the pencil cactus and the crown of thorns.
Ingestion of this succulent can cause various uncomfortable side effects, ranging from skin irritation to gastrointestinal distress.
Kalanchoe
The beautiful blooms of the kalanchoe plant, which can range in colour from light pink to blazing orange, are one of the reasons it is so popular. This tropical succulent is known by various names, including devil’s backbone, mother of millions, and mother-in-law plant. It is most commonly grown as an indoor houseplant.
This plant is mostly an irritant to the digestive tract, and its effects include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea. But irregular heartbeats can also happen.
Which Succulents Are Safe for Felines?
Many more succulent plants are safe to eat than unsafe ones. If you like succulent plants, below is a list that won’t make your cat sick and that you can keep around.
- Haworthia
- Burro’s tail
- Christmas Cactus
- Hens and chicks
- Echeveria
What if My Kitty Eats a Poisonous Plant?
If you find out that your kitty has eaten or nibbled on a poisonous plant or succulent, you should contact your veterinary doctor as soon as possible for guidance. Try not to worry too much because, most of the time, it can be fixed easily. However, you should always ask your vet what to do first.
You should take precautions to prevent your cat from eating any of your succulents, regardless of whether or not they are toxic to cats. Because kitties are drawn to crunchy green leaves, this, unfortunately, proves to be quite challenging. Ensure that your succulents are kept in a room or location unreachable to your cat. You may also consider purchasing some harmless kitten grass for your kitty to chew on and play with.
How to Keep Cat Away from Poisonous Succulents?
You may avoid problems by taking precautions. To make it easier, you may decide to avoid dangerous succulents altogether. In that case, you will not be concerned about anything.
Here are a few steps to take if you can’t avoid danger.
- If you have succulents, you might want to try spraying them with Bitter Apple. It is completely safe for both your succulents and your cats. It prevents kitties from eating plants.
- Give your cat other kinds of plants to chew on. Cats have a natural desire to consume some greenery on occasion to obtain the roughage that is necessary for proper digestion. Pet grass is perfect for this. That, hopefully, will keep them occupied for some time.
- Keep your kittens happy by paying attention to them and playing with them as much as possible. If they are bored, they are more likely to want to eat your succulents.
- You may also protect your plants by surrounding them in a terrarium or an old bird cage. Be sure to put the plants in a secure location if they are located in a specific room.
- Always remember to keep the plants in an elevated position. Lastly, remove any stray parts of plants that have flown around the home.
