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Is String of Teardrops toxic to cats?

Senecio citriformis

Toxic to cats

Yes — string of teardrops 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. Listed as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses by the ASPCA. Contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids that can cause liver damage with repeated ingestion. Contact with sap may irritate sensitive skin. Symptoms in pets include vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, and lethargy.

What to do if your cat ate string of teardrops

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

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

Is string of teardrops toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is string of teardrops toxic to cats?

Yes — string of teardrops is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Listed as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses by the ASPCA. Contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids that can cause liver damage with repeated ingestion. Contact with sap may irritate sensitive skin. Symptoms in pets include vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, and lethargy.

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

Listed as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses by the ASPCA. Contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids that can cause liver damage with repeated ingestion. Contact with sap may irritate sensitive skin. Symptoms in pets include vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, and lethargy. 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 teardrops.

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

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 teardrops toxic to dogs too?

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

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

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 teardrops pet-safety