Codiaeum variegatum, also known as garden, fire, or variegated Croton, are popular ornamental flowering plants in Euphorbiaceae’s family (the spurge family). Also, Croton may refer to a genus of flowering plants belonging to the same family.
Many people love crotons for their beautiful colorful foliage that may be short or long, thin or thick, narrow or wide, twisted or flat, linear or ovate, deeply lobed or crinkled, or a combination of these features.
You will find leaves with green, yellow, variegated, cream (white), red, pink, black, orange, or a combination of these colors.
Is it toxic?
Yes. Croton plant (Codiaeum variegatum) is toxic to cats, i.e., all types and varieties of Croton including Banana, Bush on Fire, Eleanor Roosevelt, Zanzibar, Sunny, Oakleaf, Magnificent, Gold Sun or Gold Dush, Mammy or Mamey, and Petra Croton are poisonous to cats
All parts of the plant, including roots, flowers, stems, or leaves, are poisonous to your pets and your household because they have 5-deoxyingenol. Additionally, the milky sap will cause contact dermatitis to humans, and their berries can be deadly to kids.
Should your cat chew crotons, the sap will inflame their mouth, making them drool. Also, when ingested, it will cause symptoms like:
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Lethargy
- Depression
- Listlessness
If your cat eats Croton, check for any of the above symptoms. If you notice any, talk to your vet or call any of the pet poison helplines, i.e.,
- The American Association of Poison Control Centers (800) 222-1222
- The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (800)426-4435
- The Pet Poison Helpline 1 (855) 764-7661, or
Preventive measures
Since they are also toxic to humans, our best advice is to avoid buying them and opt for other safe plants. There are many beautiful and alluring options like African violets, calatheas, spider plants, aluminum plants, Boston ferns, and so on.
Alternatively, you should consider having a plant terrarium to prevent access to these plants or a cat-proof fence if you grow them outdoors.
While there are cat repellents and deterrents, we will only recommend them if you don’t have kids as this plant is equally toxic to them. For indoors, go for PetSafe SSSCAT Spray Dog and Cat Deterrent, Motion Activated Pet Repellent. If outdoors, try Llfaiww Dog Repellent, Ultrasonic Animal Repellent with Motion Sensor, and Flashing Lights.
Other toxic houseplants
Besides Croton, many other plants are also toxic, harmful, or dangerous to your cat, and they include.
- Philodendron
- Dumb cane
- Elephant Ear
- Christmas cherries
- Azaleas
- Daffodils
- Jade plant
- Lilies
- Poinsettia
- Tulips
- Amaryllis
- Corn plant
- Aloe vera
- Sago palms
- English ivy
The list of toxic house and garden ornamental plants goes on. Therefore, before buying any kind, talk to your vet for help or check on the ASPCA database’s safe and poisonous plants.
Conclusion
As noted, all croton plants are toxic, including types like Mother & Daughter, Victoria Gold Bell, Superstar, Red Iceton, Mrs. Iceton Croton, Lauren’s Rainbow, Florida Select, or any other so long as it is in a cultivar or variety of Codiaeum variegatum.