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Pothos vs. Jade Plant: which is safe for cats and dogs?

Pothos and Jade Plant are frequently confused because both are commonly referred to as money plant, leading many pet owners to mistakenly assume they share the same safety profile. It is important to know that both plants are potentially toxic to cats and dogs, though they pose different risks. Pothos contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that cause immediate oral irritation, while Jade Plant contains compounds that can lead to systemic issues like vomiting and lethargy. Because both plants can cause significant discomfort or illness if ingested, it is best to keep these houseplants well out of reach of your curious pets to ensure their continued safety.

Pothos — (c) Forest and Kim Starr, some rights reserved (CC BY)i

Pothos

Epipremnum aureum

Devil's Ivy is a popular trailing houseplant known for its heart-shaped leaves and ease of care. It contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that can cause irritation if ingested by pets.

cat

Potentially toxic

Consulted references classify the plant as toxic or irritating for that pet type.

Watch for

Oral irritation, intense burning and irritation of mouth, tongue and lips, excessive drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing.

dog

Potentially toxic

Consulted references classify the plant as toxic or irritating for that pet type.

Watch for

Oral irritation, intense burning and irritation of mouth, tongue and lips, excessive drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing.

Full Pothos reference →
Jade Plant — no rights reserved, uploaded by Klaus Wehrlini

Jade Plant

Crassula argentea

The Jade Plant is a popular succulent known for its thick, woody stems and fleshy, oval-shaped leaves. While aesthetically pleasing, it contains compounds that can cause gastrointestinal distress if ingested by pets.

cat

Potentially toxic

Consulted references classify the plant as toxic or irritating for that pet type.

Watch for

Vomiting, depression, ataxia (incoordination), and occasional bradycardia (slow heart rate).

dog

Potentially toxic

Consulted references classify the plant as toxic or irritating for that pet type.

Watch for

Vomiting, lethargy, and loss of muscle coordination.

Full Jade Plant reference →

Safer alternatives

Baby Rubber Plant
Safer pick
Baby Rubber Plant
Peperomia obtusifolia

Baby rubber plant is the safest pet-proof swap that keeps the small, glossy, trailing look.

Generally safe for cats & dogs.

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