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Pet safety

Is Hens and chicks toxic to cats?

Sempervivum tectorum

Non-toxic to cats

No — hens and chicks is listed by the ASPCA as non-toxic to cats. It is a sensible choice for a home with a cat; a curious nibble will not poison them, though no plant is meant to be eaten. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List. Sempervivum is widely regarded as non-toxic to cats and dogs and, unlike its toxic Crassulaceae relative Kalanchoe, contains no bufadienolide cardiac glycosides. Note the ASPCA "Hens and Chickens" entry actually refers to Echeveria elegans, so Sempervivum is not individually listed by the ASPCA. As with any plant, nibbling can cause mild, transient stomach upset, and the sap may irritate sensitive skin.

Is hens and chicks toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is hens and chicks toxic to cats?

No — hens and chicks is listed by the ASPCA as non-toxic to cats. It is a sensible choice for a home with a cat; a curious nibble will not poison them, though no plant is meant to be eaten. Sempervivum is widely regarded as non-toxic to cats and dogs and, unlike its toxic Crassulaceae relative Kalanchoe, contains no bufadienolide cardiac glycosides. Note the ASPCA "Hens and Chickens" entry actually refers to Echeveria elegans, so Sempervivum is not individually listed by the ASPCA. As with any plant, nibbling can cause mild, transient stomach upset, and the sap may irritate sensitive skin.

Is hens and chicks safe for cats?

Yes — the ASPCA lists hens and chicks as non-toxic to cats and dogs. A cat that chews a large amount of any foliage can still get a mild, brief stomach upset, so discourage grazing, but it will not be poisoned.

Is hens and chicks toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Hens and chicks is non-toxic to dogs as well. See the full hens and chicks pet-safety guide for both species.

What other plants are safe for cats?

Reliable ASPCA non-toxic picks for a cat home include spider plant, calathea, parlor palm, peperomia, and most true ferns. Browse the best cats-safe plants list to check more before you buy.

Full hens and chicks pet-safety