Are Jade plants (money tree) toxic to cats?
Yes. Jade plants (Crassula ovata) cause vomiting, lethargy, and wobbliness in cats. The toxic compound isn't fully identified.
Responsible cat owners also keep parasite protection up to date — Best Vet Care ships prescription flea, tick and wormer treatments direct from licensed vets. (affiliate link)
Content compiled with reference to guidance from the Blue Cross, PDSA, Royal Veterinary College (RVC), Battersea, and Animal PoisonLine. This site does not provide veterinary advice — always consult a vet. Last reviewed: 27 September 2026.
Key facts
- Verdict: No — dangerous to cats. Jade plants (money tree) should never be given deliberately.
- Category: Houseplant
- Onset: Signs can start 0–6 hours — see the full timeline below.
- If it's already happened: Call your vet now, or the Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509000 (24/7, charges apply) — see the emergency steps below.
If your cat has just eaten jade plants (money tree)
- Move your cat away from the plant.
- Don't induce vomiting at home.
- Call your vet — jade plants (Crassula ovata) cause vomiting, lethargy, and incoordination in cats. The exact toxin is not identified.
- Provide a quiet space and fresh water; monitor breathing and alertness.
- 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 UK 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
We earn commission from some links below (Amazon Associates, Commission Junction, AWIN). This supports the site at no extra cost to you.
Cat owner essentials
For prescription-strength flea, tick and wormer protection, Best Vet Care ships direct from licensed vets — no vet visit required. (affiliate link)
Questions owners ask
How much jade plant does it take to cause symptoms?
Because the exact toxic compound in jade plant hasn't been fully identified, there's no reliable dose threshold to go by. A cat chewing even a single thick leaf can develop vomiting and lethargy, and larger ingestions have caused wobbliness and a slowed heart rate, so treat any confirmed chewing as worth a vet call rather than assuming a small nibble is automatically fine.
Are there safer succulent alternatives that look similar to jade plant?
Haworthia and cat-safe echeveria varieties offer a similar chunky, architectural look without the reported toxicity of jade plant, though it's worth double-checking any specific succulent species against a current toxic-plant list before buying, since 'succulent' as a category includes both safe and unsafe plants.
How long do jade plant symptoms take to appear?
Vomiting and drooling typically begin within 6 hours of a chewed leaf. Lethargy, wobbliness, and in larger ingestions a slowed heart rate can develop over the following 6–24 hours. Most cases resolve with supportive care, but any cat showing wobbliness or a notably slow heart rate needs same-day veterinary assessment rather than continued home monitoring.
If your cat keeps returning to the wrong plant, a pet-safe plant deterrent spray can break the habit without harm.
Recommended for cat owners
Related
Sources referenced for this guidance
- Veterinary Poisons Information Service (VPIS) — UK clinical toxicology reference used by vets
- International Cat Care — feline-specific clinical guidance
- BSAVA — British Small Animal Veterinary Association reference materials
- Merck Veterinary Manual — professional veterinary reference
About this guidance
Every entry on this site is compiled from published UK veterinary toxicology sources — International Cat Care, Veterinary Poisons Information Service (VPIS) references, RCVS-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 UK 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 Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509000 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 What Can My Cat Eat? editorial team