Is Jade Plant Toxic to Cats and Dogs?

Jade plant (Crassula ovata), also called jade tree or friendship tree, is mildly toxic to both cats and dogs.

Why

The jade plant (Crassula ovata) is a popular succulent. The exact toxin is unknown, but eating it can cause stomach upset and sometimes a slow heart rate or incoordination.

Cats seem to be affected more often than dogs, partly because they are more likely to nibble indoor plants.

How to recognize it

Jade plant is a branching succulent with thick, woody stems and plump, oval, glossy leaves, sometimes edged in red. It is often grown as a small "tree" and sold as a lucky plant, and in some places it is also called a money plant.

Signs to watch for

• Vomiting
• Lethargy or depression
• Loss of coordination
• Slow heart rate (uncommon)

What to do

• Contact your veterinarian for advice, especially if your pet seems weak or wobbly.
• Keep jade plants on high shelves or in rooms pets cannot enter.

What other names is jade plant sold under?

The ASPCA lists Crassula ovata as toxic to cats and dogs under several names, including jade tree, baby jade, Chinese rubber plant, Japanese rubber plant, dwarf rubber plant and friendship tree.

"Money plant" and "money tree" cause the most confusion. Money tree (Pachira aquatica), the braided-trunk plant, is non-toxic. In some regions "money plant" means pothos, which is mildly toxic. Elephant bush (Portulacaria afra) is sometimes sold as "miniature jade" but is a different plant, so look up the one you actually have.

Why do dropped leaves matter so much?

Jade leaves snap off easily when a pot is bumped, and the fallen leaves stay plump for weeks. A single leaf is small, but it is a bite-sized piece lying on the floor, which is how many pets find it.

Cats also tend to sit in wide, shallow succulent pots, breaking off leaves as they turn around.

Old jade plants grow heavy and top-heavy. A pot that tips over scatters leaves and broken branches at once, so a wide, stable pot is worth the effort.

• Check the floor under the plant every day or two.
• Put a top layer of large stones on the soil if your cat likes to lie in the pot.
• Do not leave leaves drying out for propagation on an open windowsill.

Why does the vet ask about wobbliness?

Vomiting is the usual sign. Less often, a pet that ate jade plant becomes quiet, unsteady on its feet or has a slow heart rate. The exact toxin has not been identified, so vets treat the signs they see.

A vet will usually check the heart rate and hydration and may give anti-nausea medication or fluids. Mention how long ago your pet ate the plant and roughly how much, and call right away if your pet seems weak, falls over or is very slow to respond.

Pet-safe alternatives

Looking for something similar without the risk? These plants are listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs.

• Non-toxicMoney tree (Pachira)
• Non-toxicSpider plant

Common questions

Is jade plant poisonous to pets?

Cats: Mildly toxic. Dogs: Mildly toxic. Jade plant is mildly toxic to cats and dogs. Jade plant can cause vomiting and lethargy in cats and dogs.

Is it safe to keep jade plant in a home with cats and dogs?

Yes, as long as your pets cannot reach it. Keep jade plants on high shelves or in rooms pets cannot enter.

What should I do if my pet chews jade plant?

Contact your veterinarian for advice, especially if your pet seems weak or wobbly.

Which pet-safe plants can I grow instead of jade plant?

Money tree and spider plant are listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs.

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Sources

• ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List (dogs, cats).
• Merck Veterinary Manual. Toxicology section.

If your pet has eaten a toxic plant, contact your veterinarian or an emergency animal hospital right away and bring a photo or piece of the plant. In the US you can also call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 or the Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661 (fees may apply).