Growli
Let's go

Pet safety

Is Variegated String of Pearls toxic to cats?

Curio rowleyanus 'Variegatus'

Toxic to cats

Yes — variegated 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. The ASPCA lists string of pearls (Senecio/Curio rowleyanus) as toxic to cats and dogs. The sap can cause vomiting, lethargy and gastrointestinal upset if eaten, and skin contact may cause dermatitis. Keep trailing strands out of reach of pets.

What to do if your cat ate variegated string of pearls

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

General guidance, not veterinary advice. If you think your cat has eaten variegated 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 variegated string of pearls toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is variegated string of pearls toxic to cats?

Yes — variegated 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. The ASPCA lists string of pearls (Senecio/Curio rowleyanus) as toxic to cats and dogs. The sap can cause vomiting, lethargy and gastrointestinal upset if eaten, and skin contact may cause dermatitis. Keep trailing strands out of reach of pets.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats variegated string of pearls?

The ASPCA lists string of pearls (Senecio/Curio rowleyanus) as toxic to cats and dogs. The sap can cause vomiting, lethargy and gastrointestinal upset if eaten, and skin contact may cause dermatitis. Keep trailing strands out of reach of 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 variegated string of pearls.

What should I do if my cat ate variegated 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 variegated string of pearls toxic to dogs too?

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

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

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 variegated string of pearls pet-safety