Houseplant
Is String of pearls toxic to cats and dogs?
Curio rowleyanus · also called String of beads
Cats
Mildly toxicDogs
Mildly toxicString of pearls is mildly toxic. The bead-like leaves are tempting to cats and can cause vomiting, diarrhoea and drooling.
By Maya Hart
If your pet chewed it
- Call your vet or a pet poison helpline, tell them the plant name (a photo helps) and how much was chewed.
- Rinse your pet’s mouth with water and remove any plant material from the fur.
Signs to watch for
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Drooling
- Lethargy
What is harmful
- Parts
- Leaves and stems
- Substance
- Pyrrolizidine alkaloids
The details
Trailing plants hung high are often recommended for cat homes, but the dangling strands of string of pearls are exactly what cats like to bat and chew. Choose a safe trailer such as spider plant instead.
Pet-safe alternatives
Questions owners ask
Is String of pearls toxic to cats?
Yes — mildly toxic to cats. Harmful parts: leaves and stems.
Is String of pearls toxic to dogs?
Yes — mildly toxic to dogs. Harmful parts: leaves and stems.
What happens if a pet eats string of pearls?
vomiting, diarrhoea, drooling, lethargy.
What should I do if my pet chewed it?
Call your vet or a pet poison helpline, tell them the plant name (a photo helps) and how much was chewed. Rinse your pet’s mouth with water and remove any plant material from the fur.
What are pet-safe alternatives to string of pearls?
Spider plant, Haworthia, Peperomia.
Sources
Tailwise is for general information and is reviewed by veterinary professionals, but it is not a substitute for advice from your own vet, who knows your pet. How we check facts
