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Pet safety

Is String of needles toxic to cats?

Ceropegia linearis

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists string of needles as mildly toxic to cats — a chewing cat typically gets mouth irritation, drooling, and vomiting rather than a medical emergency, but it is still best kept out of reach. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List. Ceropegia linearis is not individually listed on the ASPCA toxic or non-toxic plant database, and no Ceropegia species appears on either ASPCA list, so the genus cannot be confirmed pet-safe. Ceropegia plants contain saponins that can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, or drooling if chewed, so treat as mildly toxic, keep strands out of reach, and verify with your vet before relying on it around pets.

What to do if your cat ate string of needles

  1. Remove any plant material from your cat's mouth and move string of needles 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 needles to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.

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

Is string of needles toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is string of needles toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists string of needles as mildly toxic to cats — a chewing cat typically gets mouth irritation, drooling, and vomiting rather than a medical emergency, but it is still best kept out of reach. Ceropegia linearis is not individually listed on the ASPCA toxic or non-toxic plant database, and no Ceropegia species appears on either ASPCA list, so the genus cannot be confirmed pet-safe. Ceropegia plants contain saponins that can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, or drooling if chewed, so treat as mildly toxic, keep strands out of reach, and verify with your vet before relying on it around pets.

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

Ceropegia linearis is not individually listed on the ASPCA toxic or non-toxic plant database, and no Ceropegia species appears on either ASPCA list, so the genus cannot be confirmed pet-safe. Ceropegia plants contain saponins that can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, or drooling if chewed, so treat as mildly toxic, keep strands out of reach, and verify with your vet before relying on it around pets. 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 needles.

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

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 needles toxic to dogs too?

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

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

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 needles pet-safety