Pet safety
Is String of Raindropstoxic to cats & dogs?
Curio citriformis (syn. Senecio citriformis)
Quick verdict — at a glance
- Toxic to cats?
- Yes — toxic
- Toxic to dogs?
- Yes — toxic
- ASPCA classification
- Toxic to pets · botanical name Curio citriformis (syn. Senecio citriformis)
Is string of raindrops safe for cats and dogs?
No — string of raindrops 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. String of raindrops (Curio citriformis) is not individually listed on the ASPCA toxic/non-toxic plant database. However, the ASPCA does flag its close relative string of pearls (Senecio rowleyanus) as causing stomach upset (chiefly vomiting) and lethargy if eaten, and lists several other Senecio species (such as ragwort and groundsel) as toxic to cats and dogs due to pyrrolizidine alkaloids. On that genus-level basis we treat this plant as toxic and recommend keeping it out of reach of pets; the sap can also irritate skin, so wear gloves when handling.
| Pet | Toxic? | Per ASPCA |
|---|---|---|
| Cats | Yes | Toxic to pets |
| Dogs | Yes | Toxic to pets |
What happens if a pet eats string of raindrops?
String of raindrops (Curio citriformis) is not individually listed on the ASPCA toxic/non-toxic plant database. However, the ASPCA does flag its close relative string of pearls (Senecio rowleyanus) as causing stomach upset (chiefly vomiting) and lethargy if eaten, and lists several other Senecio species (such as ragwort and groundsel) as toxic to cats and dogs due to pyrrolizidine alkaloids. On that genus-level basis we treat this plant as toxic and recommend keeping it out of reach of pets; the sap can also irritate skin, so wear gloves when handling. 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 raindrops, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What to do if your pet ate string of raindrops
- Remove any plant material from your pet's mouth and move string of raindrops 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 raindrops 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 raindrops
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 Raindrops and pets — frequently asked questions
Is string of raindrops toxic to cats?
String of Raindrops (Curio citriformis (syn. Senecio citriformis)) is toxic to pets to cats according to the ASPCA. String of raindrops (Curio citriformis) is not individually listed on the ASPCA toxic/non-toxic plant database. However, the ASPCA does flag its close relative string of pearls (Senecio rowleyanus) as causing stomach upset (chiefly vomiting) and lethargy if eaten, and lists several other Senecio species (such as ragwort and groundsel) as toxic to cats and dogs due to pyrrolizidine alkaloids. On that genus-level basis we treat this plant as toxic and recommend keeping it out of reach of pets; the sap can also irritate skin, so wear gloves when handling. 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 raindrops toxic to dogs?
The ASPCA lists the same toxicity status for dogs as for cats: String of Raindrops is toxic to pets. Dogs often chew more enthusiastically than cats, so a toxic plant like string of raindrops is best removed from the floor and low shelves entirely.
What happens if my pet eats string of raindrops?
String of raindrops (Curio citriformis) is not individually listed on the ASPCA toxic/non-toxic plant database. However, the ASPCA does flag its close relative string of pearls (Senecio rowleyanus) as causing stomach upset (chiefly vomiting) and lethargy if eaten, and lists several other Senecio species (such as ragwort and groundsel) as toxic to cats and dogs due to pyrrolizidine alkaloids. On that genus-level basis we treat this plant as toxic and recommend keeping it out of reach of pets; the sap can also irritate skin, so wear gloves when handling. 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 raindrops, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What should I do if my cat or dog ate string of raindrops?
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 raindrops to the appointment helps the vet treat it correctly.
What are pet-safe alternatives to string of raindrops?
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 raindrops care
Pet-safety is one piece of the picture. For light, watering, soil, and troubleshooting, see the complete string of raindrops care guide, or browse the full pet-safe plant library to check another plant before you buy it.