Pet safety
Is Bethencourt's Aichrysontoxic to cats & dogs?
Aichryson bethencourtianum
Quick verdict — at a glance
- Toxic to cats?
- Yes — mildly
- Toxic to dogs?
- Yes — mildly
- ASPCA classification
- Mildly toxic to pets · botanical name Aichryson bethencourtianum
Is bethencourt's aichryson safe for cats and dogs?
Mildly. The ASPCA flags bethencourt's aichryson as mildly toxic to cats and dogs — a chewing pet gets oral irritation and drooling rather than a medical emergency, but it is still worth a high shelf. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List, the most widely used reference for companion-animal plant safety in the US and the standard most UK vets cite as well. Aichryson is not individually listed by ASPCA. It belongs to Crassulaceae, a family that includes both toxic genera (Crassula/jade, Kalanchoe, Cotyledon) and non-toxic genera (Echeveria, Sedum). No specific toxic principle has been documented for Aichryson, but given the family context and the absence of a confirmed non-toxic listing, caution is advised. Keep away from pets and children until individual confirmation is available.
| Pet | Toxic? | Per ASPCA |
|---|---|---|
| Cats | Yes (mild) | Mildly toxic to pets |
| Dogs | Yes (mild) | Mildly toxic to pets |
What happens if a pet eats bethencourt's aichryson?
Aichryson is not individually listed by ASPCA. It belongs to Crassulaceae, a family that includes both toxic genera (Crassula/jade, Kalanchoe, Cotyledon) and non-toxic genera (Echeveria, Sedum). No specific toxic principle has been documented for Aichryson, but given the family context and the absence of a confirmed non-toxic listing, caution is advised. Keep away from pets and children until individual confirmation is available. Signs usually appear soon after chewing rather than hours later. If you see drooling, pawing at the mouth, head-shaking, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy after your pet has had access to bethencourt's aichryson, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What to do if your pet ate bethencourt's aichryson
- Remove any plant material from your pet's mouth and move bethencourt's aichryson out of reach.
- Note how much was eaten and when, and watch for drooling, vomiting, or lethargy.
- Do not induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist instructs you to.
- Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice.
- Bring a leaf or photo of bethencourt's aichryson to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.
This page is general guidance, not veterinary advice. Pets vary, and a reaction may be to soil, fertiliser, or pesticide rather than the plant. If you are worried, always contact a vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 — do not wait for symptoms to worsen.
Pet-safe alternatives to bethencourt's aichryson
Want the same look without the risk? These plants are listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA and have similar care needs:
- Peperomia — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- Cast iron plant — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- Spider plant — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- Ponytail palm — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
Bethencourt's Aichryson and pets — frequently asked questions
Is bethencourt's aichryson toxic to cats?
Bethencourt's Aichryson (Aichryson bethencourtianum) is mildly toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Aichryson is not individually listed by ASPCA. It belongs to Crassulaceae, a family that includes both toxic genera (Crassula/jade, Kalanchoe, Cotyledon) and non-toxic genera (Echeveria, Sedum). No specific toxic principle has been documented for Aichryson, but given the family context and the absence of a confirmed non-toxic listing, caution is advised. Keep away from pets and children until individual confirmation is available. Keep it out of reach and contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 if your cat chews it.
Is bethencourt's aichryson toxic to dogs?
Per the ASPCA, Bethencourt's Aichryson (Aichryson bethencourtianum) is mildly toxic to dogs. Dogs often chew more enthusiastically than cats, so a toxic plant like bethencourt's aichryson is best removed from the floor and low shelves entirely.
What happens if my pet eats bethencourt's aichryson?
Aichryson is not individually listed by ASPCA. It belongs to Crassulaceae, a family that includes both toxic genera (Crassula/jade, Kalanchoe, Cotyledon) and non-toxic genera (Echeveria, Sedum). No specific toxic principle has been documented for Aichryson, but given the family context and the absence of a confirmed non-toxic listing, caution is advised. Keep away from pets and children until individual confirmation is available. Signs usually appear soon after chewing rather than hours later. If you see drooling, pawing at the mouth, head-shaking, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy after your pet has had access to bethencourt's aichryson, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What should I do if my cat or dog ate bethencourt's aichryson?
Stay calm. Remove any remaining plant material from your pet's mouth and take the plant away so they cannot eat more. Note roughly how much was eaten and when. Do not make your pet vomit unless a vet or poison-control specialist tells you to. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 (a consultation fee may apply) and follow their advice. Bringing a photo or a leaf of bethencourt's aichryson to the appointment helps the vet treat it correctly.
What are pet-safe alternatives to bethencourt's aichryson?
If you want a similar look without the risk, good non-toxic swaps include peperomia, cast iron plant, spider plant, ponytail palm. All of these are listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA, so they suit a home where pets have access to your plants.
Full bethencourt's aichryson care
Pet-safety is one piece of the picture. For light, watering, soil, and troubleshooting, see the complete bethencourt's aichryson care guide, or browse the full pet-safe plant library to check another plant before you buy it.