Can Cats Eat Succulents? The Short Answer
No, cats should not eat succulents. While a few succulents are non-toxic, many popular varieties are poisonous to cats and can cause vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, or more serious health problems.
Because it’s hard to tell safe succulents from dangerous ones, veterinarians generally recommend keeping all succulents out of a cat’s reach.
If you have succulents at home and a curious cat, this guide will help you understand the risks, identify toxic succulents, spot symptoms early, and keep your cat safe.
Why Do Cats Chew on Succulents?
Cats are naturally curious and often chew household plants, whether it’s succulents, common herbs like basil and mint, or even garden flowers.
1. Texture & Shape Attraction
Succulents have thick, fleshy leaves that feel distinct from those of normal plants. Many cats enjoy chewing them simply because of the texture.
2. Curiosity
Cats explore with their mouths. A new plant on the windowsill becomes a target for investigation.
3. Boredom
Indoor cats without sufficient play or stimulation may chew on plants as a form of entertainment.
4. Digestive Instinct
Some cats chew plants to trigger vomiting or help move hairballs through their system.
5. Attention-Seeking
If your cat notices you react strongly when they approach plants, they may repeat the behavior to get attention.
Are Succulents Safe for Cats?
In my opinion, succulents are not safe for cats.
Succulents fall into three safety categories:
- Highly toxic (dangerous or life-threatening)
- Mildly toxic (causes stomach upset)
- Non-toxic (but still not meant to be eaten)
Because many succulents look similar, misidentification is common, which makes them risky in cat homes.
Highly Toxic Succulents for Cats (Never Allow Access)
Similar to toxic herbs such as oregano or bay leaves, some succulents can cause vomiting and digestive upset in cats.
Aloe Vera
- Causes vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, lethargy
- One of the most common toxic succulents in homes
Jade Plant (Crassula)
- Causes vomiting, low heart rate, and coordination issues
- Toxic even in small amounts
Kalanchoe
- Affects heart rhythm
- Can cause severe gastrointestinal distress
Euphorbia (Pencil cactus, Crown of Thorns)
- Milky sap causes mouth burns, vomiting, and eye irritation
Desert Rose (Adenium)
- Contains cardiac toxins
- Extremely dangerous if ingested
🚨 If your cat eats any of these, contact a vet immediately.
Mildly Toxic Succulents (Can Still Make Cats Sick)
These succulents usually cause irritation rather than life-threatening poisoning:
- Snake plant
- String of pearls
- ZZ plant
- Sansevieria varieties
Symptoms may include:
- Vomiting
- Drooling
- Diarrhea
- Reduced appetite
Even mild toxicity can be uncomfortable and should be avoided.
Are Any Succulents Safe for Cats?
A few succulents are considered non-toxic, but that doesn’t mean cats should eat them.
Examples sometimes listed as safer:
- Haworthia
- Echeveria
- Burro’s tail (Sedum morganianum)
- Christmas cactus
Important points:
- Non-toxic ≠ edible
- Eating large amounts can still upset digestion
- Succulents offer no nutritional benefit to cats
So even “safe” succulents should be kept out of chewing range.
Why Succulents Are Risky for Cats
Succulents often contain compounds cats can’t process, such as:
- Saponins
- Alkaloids
- Cardiac glycosides
- Irritating plant sap
Cats lack the liver enzymes needed to safely break these down, making even small bites problematic.
Symptoms If a Cat Eats Succulents
Symptoms vary depending on the plant, but common warning signs include:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Drooling or foaming
- Pawing at the mouth
- Lethargy
- Tremors
- Loss of appetite
- Difficulty walking
- Abnormal heart rhythm (toxic species)
Do not wait for symptoms if a toxic succulent is involved.
How Much Succulent Is Dangerous for Cats?
There is no safe amount for toxic succulents.
- Even one bite can cause illness
- Sap exposure alone can irritate the mouth and skin
- Repeated chewing increases toxicity risk
If you’re unsure which succulent your cat ate, treat it as unsafe.
What To Do If Your Cat Eats a Succulent?
By Mistake, if your cat eats a succulent so follow these steps to keep your cat away from danger.
Step 1: Remove Access Immediately
Move the plant away and prevent further chewing.
Step 2: Identify the Plant
Take a photo or sample to help your vet identify it.
Step 3: Do NOT Induce Vomiting
This can worsen irritation.
Step 4: Call Your Vet or Emergency Clinic
Especially for aloe, jade, kalanchoe, or euphorbia.
Step 5: Monitor Closely
Watch your cat for 24 hours for delayed symptoms.
How to Keep Cats Away from Succulents?
1. Avoid Succulents in Cat Homes
The safest solution.
2. Use Hanging Planters or Closed Shelves
Never place succulents at cat eye-level.
3. Offer Safe Alternatives
- Cat grass
- Wheatgrass
- Catnip
4. Increase Play & Enrichment
Bored cats chew plants more often.
5. Use Cat-Safe Bitter Sprays
Discourages chewing without harm.
Are Artificial Succulents Safe for Cats?
Not always.
Artificial plants may contain:
- Plastic pieces
- Wires
- Dyes
- Glue
Cats may chew or swallow parts, causing choking or blockages.
Can Kittens Eat Succulents?
Kittens are more vulnerable than adult cats.
- Smaller bodies
- Developing organs
- Strong curiosity
Even mild toxicity can affect kittens severely. Keep all succulents completely out of reach.
FAQ: Cats and Succulents
Many succulents are poisonous to cats, especially common household varieties like aloe vera, jade plant, kalanchoe, and euphorbia. These plants contain compounds that can irritate a cat’s digestive system or, in severe cases, affect the heart or nervous system. Because cats are very sensitive to plant toxins, even a small bite can cause symptoms.
Cats don’t chew succulents because they taste good. They’re attracted to the thick, fleshy texture and the novelty of the plant. Succulents often sit near windows, which makes them easy targets. In many cases, repeated chewing is a sign of boredom, curiosity, or lack of proper enrichment rather than hunger.
Yes, in rare but serious cases, cats can die from eating certain succulents. Plants like kalanchoe and desert rose contain cardiac toxins that can affect heart rhythm. Without quick veterinary treatment, ingestion of these plants can become life-threatening, especially in kittens or smaller cats.
No. Aloe vera gel is not safe for cats. While aloe is often used safely on humans, cats cannot process its compounds properly. If a cat licks aloe gel from its fur or skin, it can cause vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and tremors. Aloe products should never be used on cats unless prescribed by a veterinarian.
Symptoms depend on the type of succulent, but common signs include vomiting, drooling, diarrhea, loss of appetite, lethargy, and pawing at the mouth. In more severe cases, cats may experience tremors, difficulty walking, or abnormal heart rate. If symptoms appear or worsen, immediate veterinary care is necessary.
No. Outdoor succulents are not safer. In fact, they can be more dangerous because they may be treated with pesticides, fertilizers, or insecticides. These chemicals can make even mildly toxic plants far more harmful to cats. Outdoor access also increases the risk of repeated exposure.
Yes. Even non-toxic succulents can cause stomach upset if eaten in large amounts. Cats are obligate carnivores and are not designed to digest plant matter. Chewing thick leaves may lead to vomiting, gagging, or mild diarrhea, even if the plant itself is labeled “cat-safe.”
Veterinarians often recommend removing succulents because misidentification is common. Many toxic and non-toxic succulents look very similar. Since cats tend to chew repeatedly once they like a plant, keeping succulents out of reach or out of the home completely is the safest preventive measure.
Cat grass is the safest and most recommended alternative. It satisfies a cat’s urge to chew plants without exposing them to toxins. Wheatgrass, oat grass, and barley grass are all good options and are easy to grow indoors.
If the succulent is known to be toxic, yes — even one bite is enough to justify a vet call. If the plant is non-toxic but your cat shows symptoms like vomiting or lethargy, monitor closely and consult your vet if symptoms persist for more than a few hours.
Final Verdict: Can Cats Eat Succulents?
No — cats should not eat succulents.
Many popular succulents are toxic, and even non-toxic varieties can upset a cat’s stomach.
Best practice for cat parents:
- Avoid succulents entirely
- Remove toxic plants from your home
- Offer cat-safe alternatives like cat grass
- Monitor chewing behavior
- Act fast if ingestion occurs
Your cat’s curiosity is natural — your responsibility is to keep their environment safe.