Which succulents are poisonous to cats

However, this succulent can be poisonous to pets. Aloe plants are characterized by long, spiked tendrils. Some varieties have white spotted foliage, while others flower periodically.

All varieties should be kept away from pets, advises Dr. Kalanchoes are beloved for their plentiful blossoms, ranging in color from pale pink to fiery orange. Many succulents in the euphorbia genus, such as the pencil cactus and crown of thorns, are known to be poisonous to both cats and dogs, says Dr.

Marty Goldstein , an integrative veterinarian and best-selling author. Symptoms of poisoning from ingesting this succulent range from gastrointestinal upset to skin and eye irritation, says Dr. If you have pets, it is best to avoid any plant in the euphorbia genus, including the poisonous poinsettia.

Like aloe vera, jade is a common, easy-to-grow houseplant that can be found on many windowsills. Jade plants have thick, woody stems and plump, oval leaves, giving them a tree-like appearance. There are a number of varieties of jade—and all should be kept out of reach of pets, advises Dr. If your cat or dog ingests jade, they may experience symptoms including gastrointestinal upset and incoordination, notes Dr. If you are really looking to expand your plant collection and think succulents are the way to go, Dr.

Muirhead recommends these pet-friendly options:. Also known as houseleek, hen and chickens hen and chicks for short among the most popular succulents, and for good reason. The sap of Euphorbia plants—such as Pencil Cactus or Crown of Thorns—can also be highly irritating for our pets and us! If Euphorbia sap comes in contact with the skin, it can cause a rash; if ingested, it can result in mouth irritation, stomach pain, vomiting, and diarrhea.

This tropical flowering succulent is toxic to cats and dogs. Your pet will likely experience vomiting and diarrhea after ingesting Kalanchoe, but abnormal heart rhythms may also occur. Cats exhibiting severe symptoms of any kind should be taken immediately to an emergency vet clinic or animal hospital. If your cat is experiencing mild symptoms, supervise him for at least the next 24 hours.

Echeveria is a family of rose-shaped succulents that come in a wide range of beautiful colors and shades. Haworthia, also known as Zebra Plant, is often described as a miniature aloe plant. Unlike Aloe Vera, Haworthia is not toxic to cats or dogs. These succulents may also have fat, juicy leaves and translucent flesh. Kalanchoe are prolific succulents and a good choice for new plant enthusiasts. They should, however, be out of reach of dogs, cats, and birds.

If ingested, Kalanchoe can irritate your pet's mouth or cause moderate digestive distress. It can take anywhere from 12 hours to five days for symptoms to show.

Symptoms : Oral irritation, drooling, vomiting, diarrhea. Source : DVM Senecio feature a high diversity of shapes and growth habits. There is evidence to suggest that String of Pearls S.

Be sure to hang this trailing variety out of reach of playful cats. Other species of Senecio may cause problems as well, so use caution with this genus. Cactus are not toxic if consumed, but their sharp spines make them hazardous to pets all the same.

Take particular care with members of the Opuntia Prickly Pear genus. They don't always have long spines, but they do have tiny, barbed glochids. Glochids spread easily particularly when stuck to fur and can lodge in skin.

Source: UC Davis. If you suspect that any of your pets has eaten one of these plants, call your vet immediately.