Crassula ovata or Crassula argentea (jade plant, lucky plant, money tree, or money plant) is a popular flowering succulent belonging to the family Crassulaceae (orpine family or stonecrop family). It is native to Mozambique and South Africa’s Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal provinces.
Jade plant also has other names like Baby Jade, Japanese rubber plant, Chinese rubber plant, Jade tree, or Japanese rubber plant. However, please don’t confuse it with Pearls and Jade pothos, anEpipremnum aureum variety.
Is it safe for cats?
Jade plant’s thick leaves are gleaming, small white or pink flowers, and its ability to grow well under poor indoor conditions, little care and water make it a popular houseplant in many places.
Unfortunately, people with pets deserve to know that jade plant, lucky plant, or Crassula ovata is toxic to cats and dogs, with the leaves being the most harmful or poisonous.
The cause of toxicity to cats or dogs is unknown, but when these animals ingest this houseplant, they may end up with the following symptoms:
- Vomiting
- Depression
- Incoordination and loss of muscle function
- Slow heart rate
- Lethargy
Your cat may be more aggressive, fail to groom as usual, or hide more, among other symptoms depending on the amount ingested.
If you suspect your cat ate the jade plant, take her to your veterinarian for immediate assistance as the toxicity is often fatal if not treated. Don’t try any home remedies.
Protection
People who insist on having jade plants or any other dangerous plants like pothos, azalea, poinsettia, dracaena, amaryllis, corn plant, aloe vera, sago palms, and so on need to get a cat-proof terrarium.
While you can also use commercial and homemade repellents or deterrents, none of these ways are 100% safe.
Similarly, training, providing toys (to break boredom), and so on don’t guarantee that your cat won’t eat houseplant.
Cats and money plant or tree
Besides Sill on cats and jade plants, the following houseplants may also have the name money plant or tree.
Pilea peperomioides or Chinese money plant
- Family: family Urticaceae (nettle family)
- Other names: Missionary plant, pancake plant, lefse plant, UFO plant, blender plant, or mirror grass
- Toxicity: Not toxic to cats or even dogs
Epipremnum aureum or pothos
- Family: Araceae
- Other names: Money plant, devil’s ivy, hunter’s robe, golden pothos, ivy arum, marble queen, silver vine, house plant, taro vine, Solomon Islands ivy, Ceylon creeper, among others
- Toxicity: Golden pothos, devil’s ivy, or pothos is toxic to cats and dogs since it has insoluble calcium oxalates that will cause oral pain and irritation (mouth, lips, or tongue), excessive drooling, swallowing difficulties, among other symptoms.
Hydrocotyle vulgaris or money plant
- Family: Araliaceae
- Other common names: Common pennyworth, copper coin, water naval, marsh pennywort, or lucky plant
- Toxicity: Non-toxic to cats and dogs
Lunaria or silver dollar
- Family: Brassicaceae (crucifers, cabbage, or mustard family).
- Other names: Dollar plant, money plant, honesty, moonwort, and money plant
- Toxicity: not toxic to cats or dogs
Pachira aquatica
- Family: Malvaceae
- Other names: Money tree, Malabar chestnut, French peanut, Guiana chestnut, Saba nut, Pumpo, Provision tree, and Monguba
- Toxicity: Pachira aquatic isn’t toxic to cats or dogs.
Besides the above, since it was once used as a medium of exchange, you may find people referring to Theobroma cacao or cacao tree (family Malvaceae). Cacao tree berries have theobromine, which is poisonous to cats and dogs.