Are Jade Plants Toxic to Cats?: If Your Cat Likes to Nibble on Plants Make Sure it's NOT a Jade Plant!

This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links.

Jade plants are one of the most popular houseplants in the world. They’re easy to care for, rarely need watering, and grow easily without special attention. Are Jade Plants Toxic to Cats?

Jade plants are common household plants that are often referred to as money plants, jade trees, dollar plant, or rubber plants. They are succulents that make excellent housewarming gifts and are said to bring good luck and prosperity. Jade plants can grow up to six feet tall in the right conditions and can live up to 100 years. They are often passed down from generation to generation.Other nicknames include baby jade plant, jade tree, chinese rubber plant, or dwarf rubber plant.

Unfortunately, jade plants are toxic to cats and can cause severe symptoms such as vomiting, depression, fatigue and incoordination, tremors, and an increased heart rate.

Are jade plants toxic to cats?

Jade plants are highly toxic to animals if ingested. They can affect cats and dogs, causing distressing symptoms. It’s not known precisely why these plants produce such severe reactions in animals, but they are highly toxic. Jade plants can also affect livestock such as horses and cattle if grown outdoors.

If you like growing houseplants it’s best to find out which types are safe for pets. Ensure your cat doesn’t have access to any part of the jade plant.

It can be hard to keep cats away from plants as they like to climb and explore. If you own a jade plant, keep it in a room that your cat doesn’t have access to.

Why do cats nibble on plants?

Some cats like to chew on plants, perhaps because they are bored, feel unwell, or like the plant’s taste. It’s not just jade plants that are toxic for animals; many types of houseplants could harm your pet.

Cats often chew on things as natural behavior, but they mustn’t eat any houseplant. Pets can easily get sick from ingestion and, if not treated, could die within 24 hours. Some examples of plants that are poisonous to cats include daffodils, poinsettia, snake plants, and philodendrons. It’s best not to have any house plants in your home or yard that are toxic to cats. Instead, choose a non-toxic variety such as orchids or African violets.

Cats naturally eat a tiny amount of plant fiber in the wild. Big cats and cats that have access to the outdoors and hunt will consume plant matter in the stomach of their prey. In most cases, a small amount of grass or grains won’t hurt a cat as long as a significant amount of their diet is made up of meat. Cat’s are naturally carnivores.

What to do if your cat has eaten a piece of jade plant?

If your cat has eaten any part of a jade plant or another houseplant, it’s essential to seek veterinary attention immediately. Symptoms typically appear within 12 to 24 hours after ingestion and can worsen fast.
Symptoms include vomiting, nausea, diarrhoea, weakness, lethargy, loss of appetite, staggering, depression, incoordination, and tremors.

If your cat has consumed part of a jade plant or any other houseplant, make an appointment with a vet immediately. If possible, take in a sample of the plant for testing. This is particularly important if you don’t know what type of plant your cat has ingested, as it will help the vet determine the plant’s species.

If you don’t have a piece of plant, but your cat has been sick, take a sample of the vomit for your vet to test. You can also help your cat by removing any pieces of plant or plant juice from your pet’s mouth or fur. Don’t attempt to induce vomiting or treat your pet at home if your cat has eaten a piece of a poisonous plant, instead seek immediate medical attention. Trying to treat your pet yourself could make the condition worse.

Related Article: Are Orchids Toxic to Cats?

How is jade plant toxicity treated?

On average it costs between $100 and $500 to treat a cat for symptoms of jade plant poisoning, with the average cost thought to be around $300. This is a fairly large sum, which is an additional expense that most cat owners wouldn’t have budgeted for. To keep your pet safe and avoid unexpected costs it’s a wise idea to invest in pet insurance. If anything does happen to your pet you’ll then be able to claim the expenses back and won’t be left out of pocket.

Here’s what to expect if you ever have to take your cat to the vet for treatment due to jade plant poisoning. Treatment is similar for other toxic plants. Most cats recover fairly quickly after eating a piece of toxic plant as long as they receive immediate treatment. The prognosis will depend on how much plant matter has been consumed and the general health of your pet.

The vet may test your cat’s blood and/or urine to confirm which toxins have been consumed.
Vomiting may be induced depending on the severity of the condition.
You cat may be given activated charcoal to soak up the toxins from his system.
Anti-sickness medication may be prescribed.
Intravenous fluid therapy will also be used for cats that are dehydrated.
In severe cases your cat might need to be hospitalized for observation to ensure no long-term damage has been caused.

Final thoughts

Are jade plants toxic to cats? If your cat likes to nibble on plants, you should keep him away from this particular species. The chemicals can affect cats in several ways. The most important thing you can do is seek veterinary attention immediately if your cat has ingested any part of a plant. Jade plants have been linked with poisoning and even death in pets, so it’s best to take precautions when keeping them in your home.

Check out the ASPCA website for a full list of plants that are toxic to cats.

You can also check out our plant section to find out which plants are toxic to cats?

Deals