Plant safety · 2 min read

Are Jade plants (money tree) toxic to cats?

No — dangerous

Yes. Jade plants (Crassula ovata) cause vomiting, lethargy, and wobbliness in cats. The toxic compound isn't fully identified.

If your cat has just eaten jade plants (money tree)

  1. Move your cat away from the plant.
  2. Don't induce vomiting at home.
  3. Call your vet — jade plants (Crassula ovata) cause vomiting, lethargy, and incoordination in cats. The exact toxin is not identified.
  4. Provide a quiet space and fresh water; monitor breathing and alertness.
  5. If you can't reach a vet, call ASPCA Animal Poison Control on (888) 426-4435 ($95 consult fee) or Pet Poison Helpline on (855) 764-7661.
  6. Take a photo of the plant if it's not a variety you can identify.

What's the full picture?

Jade plant (Crassula ovata) is a common US houseplant and succulent. The exact toxic compound isn't fully characterised, but cats that chew the thick leaves develop vomiting, lethargy, and incoordination.

The plant is more interesting to cats than most succulents because the leaves break off easily when batted. Keep jade plants out of reach or choose safer succulents.

Most cases resolve with supportive care. Severe cases — especially in kittens — need veterinary assessment within a few hours.

Symptoms to watch for

0–6 hours
Vomiting, drooling.
6–24 hours
Lethargy, wobbliness, slow heart rate in larger ingestions.

Emergency vet treatment for poisoning typically costs $800–$3,000 in the US. Pet insurance covers it — and you can get a quote in under 2 minutes.

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. We also earn commission from other retail partners. Links below are affiliate links.

Cat Owner Essentials

BEST VET CARE Vet-recommended flea & tick treatment for cats — same brands as your vet, delivered to your door Shop Now →
AMAZON Pet first-aid kit Check Price →
AMAZON Cat carrier for emergency vet trips Check Price →

If you're worried right now

Call your vet or out-of-hours emergency vet first. For poison advice, ASPCA Animal Poison Control (US) is on (888) 426-4435 — 24/7, charges apply. Your vet can also call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (ASPCA APCC) directly.

If you love the look but not the risk, pet-safe artificial plants are indistinguishable on a shelf and completely nibble-proof.

Recommended for Cat Households

AMAZON Cat water fountain Check Price →
AMAZON Bitter deterrent spray for plants and cords Check Price →
AMAZON Hanging planters (out of paws' reach) Check Price →
Aloe vera no Kalanchoe no Snake plants (mother-in-law's tongue) no ZZ plants no

About this guidance

Every entry on this site is compiled from published US veterinary toxicology sources — AAFP, ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (ASPCA APCC) references, AVMA-registered practice materials, and peer-reviewed feline medicine literature. Where the evidence is mixed, we err on the cautious side because cats are unusually sensitive to many common substances that are harmless to humans and even to dogs.

This is general information written for US cat owners. It is not personalised veterinary advice for your specific cat, their age, weight, medical history, or the exact exposure you're dealing with. If your cat has eaten something or is unwell, call your vet first. The ASPCA Poison Control on (888) 426-4435 is available 24/7 for a small fee and can tell you whether an emergency visit is needed.

Entries are reviewed and updated as new research emerges. Spotted an error? Let us know — corrections are investigated and applied within 24 hours. For more context on how we work, see about and our full disclaimer.

Last reviewed: · By the Cat Ate It editorial team

↑ Top