Pet safety
Is String of pearlstoxic to cats & dogs?
Curio rowleyanus (formerly Senecio rowleyanus)
Toxic
Quick verdict — at a glance
- Toxic to cats?
- Yes — toxic
- Toxic to dogs?
- Yes — toxic
- ASPCA classification
- Toxic to pets · botanical name Curio rowleyanus (formerly Senecio rowleyanus)
Is string of pearls safe for cats and dogs?
No — string of pearls 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. Treat string of pearls as toxic to cats and dogs. It is not on the ASPCA's formal toxic-plant list, but the ASPCA's succulent-safety guidance says that if ingested it causes stomach upset — predominantly vomiting — and lethargy; the irritant sap can also inflame skin and eyes on contact. The exact toxic compound is unconfirmed (suspected alkaloids), so keep strands out of reach and call your vet or ASPCA Poison Control (888-426-4435) if a pet chews it.
| Pet | Toxic? | Per ASPCA |
|---|---|---|
| Cats | Yes | Toxic to pets |
| Dogs | Yes | Toxic to pets |
What happens if a pet eats string of pearls?
Treat string of pearls as toxic to cats and dogs. It is not on the ASPCA's formal toxic-plant list, but the ASPCA's succulent-safety guidance says that if ingested it causes stomach upset — predominantly vomiting — and lethargy; the irritant sap can also inflame skin and eyes on contact. The exact toxic compound is unconfirmed (suspected alkaloids), so keep strands out of reach and call your vet or ASPCA Poison Control (888-426-4435) if a pet chews it. 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 pearls, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What to do if your pet ate string of pearls
- Remove any plant material from your pet's mouth and move string of pearls 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 pearls 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 pearls
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 pearls and pets — frequently asked questions
Is string of pearls toxic to cats?
String of pearls (Curio rowleyanus (formerly Senecio rowleyanus)) is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Treat string of pearls as toxic to cats and dogs. It is not on the ASPCA's formal toxic-plant list, but the ASPCA's succulent-safety guidance says that if ingested it causes stomach upset — predominantly vomiting — and lethargy; the irritant sap can also inflame skin and eyes on contact. The exact toxic compound is unconfirmed (suspected alkaloids), so keep strands out of reach and call your vet or ASPCA Poison Control (888-426-4435) if a pet chews it. 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 pearls toxic to dogs?
Per the ASPCA, String of pearls (Curio rowleyanus (formerly Senecio rowleyanus)) is toxic to dogs. Dogs often chew more enthusiastically than cats, so a toxic plant like string of pearls is best removed from the floor and low shelves entirely.
What happens if my pet eats string of pearls?
Treat string of pearls as toxic to cats and dogs. It is not on the ASPCA's formal toxic-plant list, but the ASPCA's succulent-safety guidance says that if ingested it causes stomach upset — predominantly vomiting — and lethargy; the irritant sap can also inflame skin and eyes on contact. The exact toxic compound is unconfirmed (suspected alkaloids), so keep strands out of reach and call your vet or ASPCA Poison Control (888-426-4435) if a pet chews it. 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 pearls, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What should I do if my cat or dog ate string of pearls?
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 pearls to the appointment helps the vet treat it correctly.
What are pet-safe alternatives to string of pearls?
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 pearls care
Pet-safety is one piece of the picture. For light, watering, soil, and troubleshooting, see the complete string of pearls care guide, or browse the full pet-safe plant library to check another plant before you buy it.
Spotted a problem with your string of pearls? Try the string of pearls diagnosis tool — ranked causes and fixes for yellow leaves, drooping, brown spots, and other common string of pearls problems.