Succulents are popular houseplants that can add vibrant colors and interesting textures to any space. Their low maintenance care makes them an ideal choice even for beginner gardeners. However, cat owners need to be aware that some succulents can be toxic to felines if ingested. Fortunately, there are many cat-safe succulent varieties to choose from. Here are 15 succulents that are non-toxic and safe for cats:
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is well-known for its healing and soothing gel. The thick, spiky leaves of aloe plants contain the gel that can be applied topically to treat burns, irritation, and skin conditions. Aloe is safe for cats and dogs. It contains antioxidants and polysaccharides that can boost immunity. Aloe vera is easy to grow in bright, indirect light and requires minimal watering.
Burro’s Tail
With its trailing stems densely packed with blue-green teardrop shaped leaves, burro’s tail has a beautiful cascading look perfect for hanging baskets. It is also called lamb’s tail or donkey’s tail. This succulent is non-toxic to cats and dogs. Provide bright light for the best color. Let the soil dry out between waterings.
Echeveria
This large group of succulents come in a remarkable variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. Rosette-forming echeverias like the ruffled ‘Blue Curls’ and elegant ‘Perle Von Nurnberg’ have powdery blue leaves. Hens-and-chicks (Echeveria elegans) produces offsets around the mother plant. All types of echeverias are safe for cats and make great indoor container plants.
Haworthia
Haworthias feature unique pointed or spiral-shaped leaves that look almost sculptural. Popular varieties include the zebra haworthia with white bands on leaves and the cute miniature haworthia retusa. These petite, slow-growing succulents are non-toxic for cats. Keep them in bright light and water sparingly.
Hens and Chicks
Also known by its scientific name Sempervivum tectorum, hens and chicks form mats of rosettes that rapidly generate offsets. Individual rosettes grow up to 3 inches wide, some with red-tipped leaves. This hardy succulent tolerates cold and requires very little maintenance. Hens and chicks are safe and non-toxic for feline friends.
Jade Plant
Jade plants are affectionately called the money plant or money tree. With their thick trunks and oval-shaped jade green leaves, these succulents are admired for their bonsai-like appearance. They are easy to care for indoors in bright light. Jades are non-toxic for cats and are believed to bring prosperity and good luck!
Lithops
Commonly called living stones, lithops are mimicry plants that blend into their surroundings. Their pebble-like bodies hide the leaves embedded in their top clefts. Lithops flower with bright daisy-like blooms. Slow growing and requiring very sparse watering, lithops make intriguing cat safe houseplants.
Moonstones
With their plump leaves in shades of blue-green, lavender, and peach, moonstones truly look like their namesake gemstone. Also called pachyphytum oviferum, these succulents form loose rosettes and show pink or orange blushing when stressed. They are non-toxic, pet-friendly succulents.
Panda Plant
Furry leaves with brown-tipped white hairs make panda plants look like their cute namesake. Also called chocolate soldier, this small succulent stays under 6 inches tall. It requires minimal care and bright light. The panda plant is non-toxic to cats, dogs and humans.
Ponytail Palm
With a bulbous base and long, drooping green leaves, ponytail palms have a distinct look. Despite their name, they are not true palms or even related to palm trees! Ponytail palms are non-toxic succulents, perfect for bright, warm indoor spots safe from cats chewing on the leaves.
Sedum
With over 400 species, sedum offers diverse shapes like trailing, upright, and rosette types. Popular sedums like burrito, dragon’s blood and angelina have colorful leaves in shades of red, purple, yellow and blue. All sedums are safe for cats. Keep them in full sun and water moderately.
Snake Plant
With tall, stiff, sword-like green and yellow striped leaves, snake plants have a dramatic, architectural appearance. Also called mother-in-law’s tongue, they are hardy houseplants even suited to beginners. Snake plants are non-toxic for cats and remove air pollutants.
Zebra Plant
Resembling its namesake with dark green leaves striped in white, zebra plants have an eye-catching appearance. Known botanically as haworthiopsis attenuata, they stay small, reaching just 3-6 inches tall. Zebra plants are totally cat safe and easy to grow indoors in bright light and well-draining soil.
Christmas Cactus
These holiday plants with flattened, segmented stems and fuchsia-colored flowers are not only festive, but also feline approved. Christmas cactus and the related Easter cactus (Hatiora gaertneri) are non-toxic succulents, so both the plant and flowers are safe for curious cats.
In summary, there are many beautiful succulent varieties that can brighten up your home without endangering your precious cats. Always supervise pets around any houseplants. When in doubt, consult reputable sources to check a plant’s toxicity before introducing it where cats can access it. With proper precautions, succulents can remain an alluring and safe option for cat-friendly plant parents.
FAQs about Succulents Safe for Cats
Are succulents poisonous to cats?
While some succulents like Euphorbia and Kalanchoe are toxic to cats, many popular succulents are completely non-toxic and cat-safe. Always check before bringing any new plant into a home with cats. The succulents listed in this article are not poisonous to cats.
What makes some succulents poisonous?
The toxic compounds and mechanisms vary for different poisonous plants. For example, Euphorbia succulents contain irritating sap that can cause rashes, vomiting, and diarrhea. Kalanchoes contain cardiac glycosides that affect heart rate and rhythm. Non-toxic succulents simply do not contain these harmful compounds.
How can I keep my cats safe from toxic plants?
Supervise pets around new plants until you see whether they are likely to nibble. Choose non-toxic succulents and keep potentially toxic plants completely out of reach of cats. Train cats not to chew on houseplants by providing alternative scratching posts and toys.
What are symptoms of plant poisoning in cats?
Look out for drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty swallowing, abnormal heart rate, breathing issues, weakness, tremors, or seizures. Cats may also show signs like pawing at the mouth, decreased appetite, depression, and skin rashes or swelling around the mouth after contact with toxic plants.
What should I do if I suspect plant poisoning?
Immediately remove the plant out of the cat’s reach if they are still in contact with it. If poisoning symptoms develop, take the cat to the veterinarian or animal ER right away. Bring along the plant or a photo to help identify the toxin. Rapid treatment is crucial for the best outcome.
Are succulent flowers safe for cats?
Flowers and their pollen can sometimes be irritating or toxic even when the plant itself is non-toxic. It’s best to keep cats away from eating succulent blooms until you can identify the specific variety and verify it’s safe. For example, Schlumbergera Christmas cactus flowers are cat-safe.
Conclusion
Succulents make great low-maintenance houseplants, but cat owners need to choose varieties carefully. While dangerous options like Euphorbia and Kalanchoe must be avoided, many beautiful succulents can thrive in cat friendly homes. Aloe, Echeveria, Haworthia, Hens and Chicks, Jade Plants, Sedum, Snake Plants and Christmas Cactus are just some of the safest succulents for planting around felines. Always supervise pets until you know their behavior around new plants. With non-toxic varieties and proper precautions, succulents and cats can safely co-exist.