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Pet safety

Is String of Raindrops toxic to cats?

Curio citriformis (syn. Senecio citriformis)

Toxic to cats

Yes — string of raindrops 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. 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.

What to do if your cat ate string of raindrops

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

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

Is string of raindrops toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is string of raindrops toxic to cats?

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

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

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

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 raindrops toxic to dogs too?

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

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

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 raindrops pet-safety