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Is String of Fishhooks toxic to cats?

Curio radicans 'Fishhook'

Toxic to cats

Yes — string of fishhooks is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List. As a Curio (formerly Senecio), this plant falls under the ASPCA's toxic listing for string-of-pearls-type Senecio. The sap can cause vomiting, drooling and gastrointestinal upset if ingested, and may irritate skin. Keep the trailing stems away from cats and dogs.

What to do if your cat ate string of fishhooks

  1. Remove any plant material from your cat's mouth and move string of fishhooks out of reach.
  2. Note how much was eaten and when, and watch for drooling, vomiting, or lethargy.
  3. Do not induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist instructs you to.
  4. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice.
  5. Bring a leaf or photo of string of fishhooks to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.

General guidance, not veterinary advice. If you think your cat has eaten string of fishhooks, contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 — do not wait for symptoms to worsen.

Is string of fishhooks toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is string of fishhooks toxic to cats?

Yes — string of fishhooks is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. As a Curio (formerly Senecio), this plant falls under the ASPCA's toxic listing for string-of-pearls-type Senecio. The sap can cause vomiting, drooling and gastrointestinal upset if ingested, and may irritate skin. Keep the trailing stems away from cats and dogs.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats string of fishhooks?

As a Curio (formerly Senecio), this plant falls under the ASPCA's toxic listing for string-of-pearls-type Senecio. The sap can cause vomiting, drooling and gastrointestinal upset if ingested, and may irritate skin. Keep the trailing stems away from cats and dogs. Signs usually appear soon after chewing rather than hours later — watch for drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy after your cat has had access to string of fishhooks.

What should I do if my cat ate string of fishhooks?

Stay calm. Remove any plant from your cat's mouth and take the plant away. Note how much was eaten and when, and do not induce vomiting unless told to. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice; a leaf or photo helps the vet treat it correctly.

Is string of fishhooks toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: String of Fishhooks is toxic to dogs as well. See the full string of fishhooks pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to string of fishhooks?

For a similar look without the risk, see the best cats-safe plants list — every plant there is ASPCA non-toxic to cats and dogs.

Full string of fishhooks pet-safety