Haworthia — no rights reserved, uploaded by Klaus Wehrlin
Photo by no rights reserved, uploaded by Klaus WehrliniNaturalistCC0
Pet safety reference

Haworthia

Haworthia species

Haworthia is a genus of small, succulent plants known for their rosette-forming leaves and ease of care. They are generally considered safe for households with pets.

Haworthia speciesPearl PlantZebra Cactus
Light
Bright indirect light
Habit
Rosette
Care
Low

Safety status

Cats

Generally safe

Consulted references do not classify the plant as toxic for that pet type, while still allowing for mild GI upset if large amounts are chewed.

Verified against ASPCA/provenance audit 2026-05-06 on May 6, 2026.

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.

Catsconcern notes

Common signs

None expected, though consumption of large amounts of fibrous plant material may cause mild gastrointestinal upset such as vomiting or diarrhea.

Escalation note

Non-toxic; however, if your cat consumes a significant portion of the plant, contact your veterinarian to monitor for digestive discomfort.

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

Open source

Haworthia is listed as non-toxic to both cats and dogs.

NC State Extension Plant Toolbox

botanical · 94% reliability

Open source

A genus of small succulent plants native to South Africa, widely grown as houseplants.

cats safety page

Questions about Haworthia

Is haworthia toxic to cats?

Haworthia is considered non-toxic to cats. It is generally regarded as a safe succulent to keep in a home with cats, unlike many other popular succulents such as aloe vera.

What happens if my cat eats a haworthia plant?

No toxic effects are expected if a cat nibbles on haworthia. If your cat consumes a large amount of the fibrous plant material, mild gastrointestinal upset such as vomiting or diarrhea is possible, but serious harm is not anticipated.

What should I do if my cat ate a lot of haworthia?

If your cat ate only a small amount, no action is likely needed — just monitor them. If they consumed a significant portion of the plant and you notice vomiting, diarrhea, or unusual lethargy, contact your veterinarian to assess whether any supportive care is needed.

Is haworthia safer for cats than aloe vera?

Yes. Haworthia and aloe vera are both rosette-forming succulents that are often confused, but they are not equivalent in pet safety: aloe vera is toxic to cats, while haworthia is considered non-toxic. If you want a similar-looking succulent in a cat-friendly home, haworthia is the better choice.

Same genus

More from the Haworthia genus

Same growing conditions

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