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Pet safety

Is String of pearls toxic to cats?

Curio rowleyanus (formerly Senecio rowleyanus)

Toxic to cats

Yes — string of pearls 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. 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.

What to do if your cat ate string of pearls

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

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

Is string of pearls toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is string of pearls toxic to cats?

Yes — string of pearls is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. 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.

What are the symptoms if a cat 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 — watch for drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy after your cat has had access to string of pearls.

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

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 pearls toxic to dogs too?

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

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

Good cat-safe swaps that keep a similar look include burro's tail, string of hearts, christmas cactus — all ASPCA non-toxic to cats and dogs. See the full pet-safe alternatives to string of pearls.

Full string of pearls pet-safety