ZEBRA PLANT (HAWORTHIA)
While its shape and size are quite similar to aloe, which is toxic to cats and dogs, the zebra plant is perfectly pet-safe. These hardy succulents need minimal care and make a standout decorative feature to any room, especially when put in a funky pot.
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Succulents That Are Poisonous to Dogs and Cats
These are the kinds of succulents you should avoid if you have a dog or cat in your home.
Aloe vera, one of the most well-known succulents, is widely utilized in medical and therapeutic settings. Sunburns are traditionally treated with its sap, and extracts from the plant are used in flavored waters, supplements, and cosmetics.
However, this succulent can be poisonous to pets. Aloe is known to cause gastrointestinal distress, such as vomiting and diarrhea, even making the pet lethargic.
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.
Kalanchoes are prized for their profusion of blooms, which range in hue from soft pink to vivid orange. This tropical succulent is commonly used as a houseplant and goes by several names, such as mother of millions, devil’s backbone, and mother-in-law plant.
This plant primarily irritates the gastrointestinal tract, which can result in diarrhea and vomiting. However, heart arrhythmias can also occur.
If your pet ingests kalanchoe, seek immediate veterinary care.
s via iStock.com/joloei and iStock.com/vichuda
Euphorbia is a broad, diversified genus of plants that ranges in size from tiny, low-growing plants to massive trees.
Numerous euphorbia genus succulents, including the pencil cactus and crown of thorns, are toxic to dogs and cats alike.
Poisoning symptoms from eating this succulent include upset stomach and irritation of the skin and eyes.
If you have pets, it is best to avoid any plant in the euphorbia genus, including the poisonous poinsettia.
via iStock.com/Andrey Nikitin
Similar to aloe vera, jade is a popular houseplant that grows easily and is often seen on windowsills. Jade plants resemble trees because of their thick, woody stems and plump, oval leaves.
There are several types of jade, and all of them ought to be kept out of pets’ reach. Your dog or cat may exhibit symptoms such as incoordination and upset stomach if they consume jade.
Which Plants Are Toxic to Cats?
Many common houseplant species are toxic to cats; the list below highlights some of the plants you should definitely be cautious of if you have cats in your home. Since this is not an exhaustive list, we still advise investigating a plant to make sure it is not poisonous to cats even if it isn’t on this list.
- Aloe
- Lily
- Lily of the valley
- Peace lily
- Pothos, devil’s ivy
- Oleander
- Amaryllis
- Daffodil
- Chrysanthemum
- Tulip
- Sago palm
- Yew
- Spanish thyme
- Kalanchoe
- Dieffenbachia
- Marijuana
- Cyclamen
- Azalea
- Rhododendron
- Castor bean
FAQ
What succulent is toxic to cats?
Is Haworthia poisonous to humans?
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