Succulents are undeniably one of the most well-loved houseplants in homes today. That is absolutely for a good reason! They are charming, colorful, decorative, easy to take care of, and affordable. What's not to love??

Well, you might think those low-maintenance, trendy plants are ideal for pet owners like yourself, especially since you spend a lot of time pampering your feline champ! But before you fill the cart with lots of succulents from Succulents Club, the big question may be crossing your mind: Are succulents poison to cats?

All cat lovers know that their babies are curious and often get into and eat strange things, such as succulents. So is it okay if they have taken a big bite out of one of your pretty succulent houseplants? Or do you need to worry? 

It turns out that some succulent plants are harmful to cats, so you must be careful about which types of succulents you bring into the house. You should also know the symptoms to look for if the cat accidentally eats one of these stylish plants. 

Are Succulents Poisonous To Cats If They Eat Them?

Succulents come in all shapes, sizes, colors, and textures, and there are over 10,000 different varieties. To our relief, most of them are considered harmless to our feline cat friends. A few, though, need special care, including jade plants and poinsettias.

If your cat eats a hazardous succulent, it will likely suffer gastrointestinal distress in the form of diarrhea, vomiting, or anorexia. The one plant that you should always avoid is Aloe Vera. It can cause diarrhea if your cat has ingested a large amount of it.

Some crucial signs of succulent poisoning in cats or kittens may include;

• Loss of appetite
• Vomiting
• Lethargy
• Diarrhea
• Seizures
• Drooling
• Pale gums
• Wheezing

The higher the toxicity of the succulent, the more serious the risks and necessary treatment is. It is best to keep toxic succulent plants out of your curious cat's reach. Doing this should help prevent them from ingesting the plant & possibly feeling discomfort and pain.

Ultimately, your cat's reaction mainly depends on the succulent type and its toxic nature! 

Consider These 5 Safe Succulents If You Are A Cat Owner

Some succulent types are entirely safe for your cats. These include:

Echeveria Succulent Plant 

Echeveria succulent plants are from the family of rose-shaped succulents that come in various gorgeous colors and shapes. A few common Echeveria succulents varieties include Princess Lace, Wax Agava, Mexican Hens, Moonglow, Prolific, Tippy, and Blue Atoll.

Haworthia Succulents 

This is also called the Zebra Plant. Haworthia is often described as the aloe plant. It is not toxic to dogs or cats, unlike Aloe Vera. These fascinating succulents can also have juicy leaves, translucent flesh, and fat. 

Opuntia Succulents 

Opuntia, commonly called Prickly Pear, is a genus in the cacti family. These cacti may have fruit, flowers, and edible pads. Some common succulent varieties include Eastern Bunny Ears, Silver Dollar, Beavertail, and Santa Rita.

Sedums Succulents 

Also called Stonecrops, Sedums are a large genus of unique succulent flowering plants. Some common succulent varieties of Sedum include Ghost Plant, Hardy Baby Tears, Mother of Pearl, and Burro's Tail. These can be tender or hardy.

Sempervivum Succulents 

Sempervivum, commonly known as Hens and Chicks, are succulent perennials that mainly form mats composed of leaves in rosettes. These are best to consider if you want cold-hardy and colorful succulents.

These five succulent types are safe for cats. These succulent varieties are beautiful and can be enjoyed knowing that your little feline cat friend will stay happy and healthy. 

Avoid These 5 Succulents If You Are A Cat Owner

Aloe Vera Succulent

While this common succulent plant is used for sunburns and other medical purposes, it is also toxic for dogs and cats. If ingested, the pet can show signs of poisoning, like diarrhea, lethargy, and vomiting.

Crassula Succulents 

Crassula's miniature tree appearance may look tempting to the cat. But, if your pet eats the woody, thick, plump stems, they'll experience symptoms like incoordination, low heart rate, lethargy, and vomiting. Keep them away from crassula succulents to avoid accidental poisoning. 

Pencil Cactus

Crown of Thorns or Pencil Cactus can also be irritating and dangerous for your little pets and even humans. Yes, if this plant comes in contact with our skin, it can leave rashes. Plus, if ingested by cats, it can lead to mouth irritation, diarrhea, vomiting, and stomach pain. Cat lovers should avoid these succulents. 

Kalanchoe Succulents 

Kalanchoe is called Devil's Backbone, Mother of Millions, and Mother-In-Law Plant. Your pet can experience diarrhea and vomiting after eating Kalanchoe, and abnormal heart rhythms may also occur. This flowering succulent is also toxic to both dogs and cats. So steer clear of kalanchoe succulents or keep them out of reach from your cat or dog. 

Sansevieria Succulents 

Sansevieria, also known as Good Luck Plant (hardly) and Mother-In-Law's Tough, can lead to diarrhea, vomiting, and nausea when ingested by pets. You will recognize this plant by its vertical, stiff leaves.

What To Do It The Cat Has Eaten A Succulent?

Treating your cat after he ingests a succulent depends on the type of succulent, the amount he ingested, and how long ago it happened. If you have doubts that your cat has eaten succulents, contact your vet as soon as possible. Also, you can call Pet Poison Helpline or ASPCA Poison Control for immediate help. 

It is crucial to provide your veterinarian with as much detail as possible to aid in treating your cat. Bring in the succulent plant or a sample of the specific plant your kitten ate, a photo of the plant, or the name of the plant, if possible.

Treatment is generally supportive and symptomatic care. The vet will efficiently treat your cat by assisting with irritation to the gastrointestinal tract, mouth, and face. They may clean his mouth and rinse it with plain yogurt or little milk.

If asymptomatic, the vet can induce vomiting, followed by charcoal ingestion. IV fluids, antiemetics, gastrointestinal protectants, pain, and anti-inflammatory relief may be warranted if severe diarrhea and vomiting or if the pet becomes highly dehydrated.

Succulents Club hopes this succulent cat guide will enlighten you and protect your fur friends!