Pet safety
Is String of Nickelstoxic to cats & dogs?
Dischidia nummularia
Quick verdict — at a glance
- Toxic to cats?
- Yes — mildly
- Toxic to dogs?
- Yes — mildly
- ASPCA classification
- Mildly toxic to pets · botanical name Dischidia nummularia
Is string of nickels safe for cats and dogs?
Not entirely — string of nickels is mildly toxic to cats and dogs. It rarely causes serious harm, but chewing it triggers real discomfort, so keep it out of a pet's reach. 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. Dischidia is NOT listed in the ASPCA toxic or non-toxic plant database, so pet safety cannot be confirmed there. NC State Extension flags the genus (Dischidia ovata) as low-severity poison whose milky sap may cause mouth burning, vomiting, and diarrhoea in pets plus skin irritation, so treat as mildly toxic and keep away from pets and children pending veterinary advice.
| Pet | Toxic? | Per ASPCA |
|---|---|---|
| Cats | Yes (mild) | Mildly toxic to pets |
| Dogs | Yes (mild) | Mildly toxic to pets |
What happens if a pet eats string of nickels?
Dischidia is NOT listed in the ASPCA toxic or non-toxic plant database, so pet safety cannot be confirmed there. NC State Extension flags the genus (Dischidia ovata) as low-severity poison whose milky sap may cause mouth burning, vomiting, and diarrhoea in pets plus skin irritation, so treat as mildly toxic and keep away from pets and children pending veterinary advice. 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 string of nickels, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What to do if your pet ate string of nickels
- Remove any plant material from your pet's mouth and move string of nickels 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 string of nickels 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 string of nickels
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)
String of Nickels and pets — frequently asked questions
Is string of nickels toxic to cats?
String of Nickels (Dischidia nummularia) is mildly toxic to pets to cats according to the ASPCA. Dischidia is NOT listed in the ASPCA toxic or non-toxic plant database, so pet safety cannot be confirmed there. NC State Extension flags the genus (Dischidia ovata) as low-severity poison whose milky sap may cause mouth burning, vomiting, and diarrhoea in pets plus skin irritation, so treat as mildly toxic and keep away from pets and children pending veterinary advice. 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 string of nickels toxic to dogs?
The ASPCA lists the same toxicity status for dogs as for cats: String of Nickels is mildly toxic to pets. Dogs often chew more enthusiastically than cats, so a toxic plant like string of nickels is best removed from the floor and low shelves entirely.
What happens if my pet eats string of nickels?
Dischidia is NOT listed in the ASPCA toxic or non-toxic plant database, so pet safety cannot be confirmed there. NC State Extension flags the genus (Dischidia ovata) as low-severity poison whose milky sap may cause mouth burning, vomiting, and diarrhoea in pets plus skin irritation, so treat as mildly toxic and keep away from pets and children pending veterinary advice. 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 string of nickels, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What should I do if my cat or dog ate string of nickels?
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 string of nickels to the appointment helps the vet treat it correctly.
What are pet-safe alternatives to string of nickels?
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 string of nickels care
Pet-safety is one piece of the picture. For light, watering, soil, and troubleshooting, see the complete string of nickels care guide, or browse the full pet-safe plant library to check another plant before you buy it.