Pet safety
Is Silver Crowntoxic to cats & dogs?
Cotyledon undulata
Quick verdict — at a glance
- Toxic to cats?
- Yes — toxic
- Toxic to dogs?
- Yes — toxic
- ASPCA classification
- Toxic to pets · botanical name Cotyledon undulata
Is silver crown safe for cats and dogs?
No — silver crown is toxic to cats and dogs. Keep it well away from any pet that chews plants; reactions can be significant. 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. Cotyledon species contain bufadienolide cardiac glycosides (including orbicusides and cotyledontoxin) that cause cotyledonosis — a serious poisoning syndrome in livestock involving cardiac arrhythmia, muscle tremors, and paralysis. Cotyledon orbiculata is documented as toxic to dogs via cardiac glycoside ingestion (canine poisoning case reports exist). Cotyledon undulata shares the same genus and toxic compound class. Keep away from dogs, cats, horses, livestock, and children.
| Pet | Toxic? | Per ASPCA |
|---|---|---|
| Cats | Yes | Toxic to pets |
| Dogs | Yes | Toxic to pets |
What happens if a pet eats silver crown?
Cotyledon species contain bufadienolide cardiac glycosides (including orbicusides and cotyledontoxin) that cause cotyledonosis — a serious poisoning syndrome in livestock involving cardiac arrhythmia, muscle tremors, and paralysis. Cotyledon orbiculata is documented as toxic to dogs via cardiac glycoside ingestion (canine poisoning case reports exist). Cotyledon undulata shares the same genus and toxic compound class. Keep away from dogs, cats, horses, livestock, and children. 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 silver crown, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What to do if your pet ate silver crown
- Remove any plant material from your pet's mouth and move silver crown 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 silver crown 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 silver crown
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)
Silver Crown and pets — frequently asked questions
Is silver crown toxic to cats?
Silver Crown (Cotyledon undulata) is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Cotyledon species contain bufadienolide cardiac glycosides (including orbicusides and cotyledontoxin) that cause cotyledonosis — a serious poisoning syndrome in livestock involving cardiac arrhythmia, muscle tremors, and paralysis. Cotyledon orbiculata is documented as toxic to dogs via cardiac glycoside ingestion (canine poisoning case reports exist). Cotyledon undulata shares the same genus and toxic compound class. Keep away from dogs, cats, horses, livestock, and children. 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 silver crown toxic to dogs?
Per the ASPCA, Silver Crown (Cotyledon undulata) is toxic to dogs. Dogs often chew more enthusiastically than cats, so a toxic plant like silver crown is best removed from the floor and low shelves entirely.
What happens if my pet eats silver crown?
Cotyledon species contain bufadienolide cardiac glycosides (including orbicusides and cotyledontoxin) that cause cotyledonosis — a serious poisoning syndrome in livestock involving cardiac arrhythmia, muscle tremors, and paralysis. Cotyledon orbiculata is documented as toxic to dogs via cardiac glycoside ingestion (canine poisoning case reports exist). Cotyledon undulata shares the same genus and toxic compound class. Keep away from dogs, cats, horses, livestock, and children. 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 silver crown, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What should I do if my cat or dog ate silver crown?
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 silver crown to the appointment helps the vet treat it correctly.
What are pet-safe alternatives to silver crown?
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 silver crown care
Pet-safety is one piece of the picture. For light, watering, soil, and troubleshooting, see the complete silver crown care guide, or browse the full pet-safe plant library to check another plant before you buy it.