Cats
Potentially toxicConsulted references classify the plant as toxic or irritating for that pet type.
Verified against ASPCA/provenance audit 2026-05-06 on May 6, 2026.
Sources
cat safety reference
Is Silver Dollar Plant safe for cats?
Crassula arborescens
Crassula arborescens is a succulent shrub known for its thick, fleshy, blue-green leaves with reddish margins. While popular as an ornamental houseplant, it contains compounds that can cause adverse reactions if ingested by pets.
Chinese JadeCrassula arborescensSilver Dollar Plant
- Light
- Bright direct light
- Habit
- Succulent shrub
- Care
- Low
Safety status
What this means for your cat
Crassula arborescens is on the ASPCA toxic list, and cats are the more sensitive of the two pets. Beyond the usual vomiting, ingestion can produce a wobbly, drunk-looking gait or, less often, tremors — that's the cat-specific tell. Most cases are mild, but a wobbly cat warrants a call.
What to watch for
Most common: vomiting, often within 15–20 minutes, sometimes followed by diarrhea and lethargy 1–4 hours later. Cat-specific: ataxia (drunken, uncoordinated walking). Less common: muscle tremors and a slow heart rate.
Time window
Pet Poison Helpline reports onset within 15–20 minutes (vomiting and drooling first), with diarrhea and lethargy following in 1–4 hours. Most cats recover within 24 hours.
When to call the vet
Call immediately if your cat shows wobbliness, tremors, or repeated vomiting that won't stop. For a single mild vomit, monitor for two hours and call if signs continue or new ones appear (lethargy, refusing food).
Sources: ASPCA, Pet Poison Helpline.
If a pet has chewed or swallowed plant material and is showing symptoms, contact a veterinarian or poison resource immediately. This product is for structured reference, not diagnosis.
Cats — concern notes
Common signs
Vomiting, depression, ataxia (loss of coordination), and bradycardia (slow heart rate).
Escalation note
Ingestion can lead to gastrointestinal distress and neurological signs. Please contact your veterinarian or a pet poison control center immediately if you suspect your cat has consumed any part of this plant.
Safer alternatives
No hand-picked alternatives for this plant yet. You can still pick your own using the Compare button on any other plant.
Source evidence
ASPCA Toxic Plant List
toxicology · 99% reliability
Chinese Jade is listed as toxic to both cats and dogs, potentially causing vomiting, depression, and ataxia.
Plants of the World Online (Kew)
botanical · 95% reliability
Accepted botanical name and distribution data for Crassula arborescens.
Same cat verdict
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