Cats & Dogs
Generally safeConsulted 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.
Sources
Pet safety reference
Money Tree
Pachira aquatica
The Money Tree is a popular indoor plant known for its braided trunk and palm-like leaves, often associated with good luck and prosperity in home decor.
Guiana ChestnutPachira aquaticaProvision TreeSaba Nut
- Light
- Bright indirect light
- Habit
- Upright
- Care
- Moderate
Safety status
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
None expected; however, consumption of large amounts of fibrous plant material may cause mild gastrointestinal upset such as vomiting or diarrhea.
Escalation note
Considered non-toxic. If your cat consumes a significant portion of the plant and shows persistent digestive distress, contact your veterinarian.
Dogs — concern notes
Common signs
None expected; however, consumption of large amounts of fibrous plant material may cause mild gastrointestinal upset such as vomiting or diarrhea.
Escalation note
Considered non-toxic. If your dog consumes a significant portion of the plant and shows persistent digestive distress, contact your veterinarian.
Bring it home
Money Treeis generally pet-safe in ordinary household exposure. If you’d like one for your space, here’s a starting point.
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Source evidence
ASPCA Toxic Plant List
toxicology · 99% reliability
The Money Tree is listed as non-toxic to both cats and dogs by the ASPCA.
NC State Extension Plant Toolbox
botanical · 94% reliability
Pachira aquatica is a tropical wetland tree often grown as a houseplant for its attractive foliage and braided trunk.
Questions about Money Tree
Is the Money Tree toxic to cats?
No, the Money Tree (Pachira aquatica) is considered non-toxic to cats. It is classified as generally safe, meaning exposure is not expected to cause poisoning or serious harm.
What happens if my cat eats a Money Tree leaf?
Consuming small amounts is unlikely to cause any reaction, but eating a large quantity of the fibrous plant material may cause mild gastrointestinal upset such as vomiting or diarrhea.
What should I do if my cat ate a lot of my Money Tree?
Monitor your cat for signs of digestive distress like vomiting or diarrhea. If symptoms are mild and short-lived, no treatment is typically needed; if your cat shows persistent digestive issues after eating a significant portion of the plant, call your veterinarian.
Does 'non-toxic' mean a Money Tree is safe for my cat to eat freely?
Non-toxic means the plant is not expected to poison your cat, but it does not mean unlimited consumption is harmless — large amounts of any fibrous plant material can cause GI upset. It is best to discourage your cat from chewing on it.
Is the Money Tree toxic to dogs?
The Money Tree (Pachira aquatica) is considered non-toxic to dogs. According to a 2026 ASPCA provenance audit, it is classified as generally safe, meaning no toxic compounds have been identified that pose a poisoning risk.
What happens if my dog eats a Money Tree leaf?
Eating a small amount is unlikely to cause any reaction. Consuming a large quantity of the fibrous plant material may cause mild gastrointestinal upset such as vomiting or diarrhea, but serious toxicity is not expected.
What should I do if my dog ate a large amount of my Money Tree?
Monitor your dog for signs of digestive distress like vomiting or diarrhea. If symptoms are persistent or your dog consumed a significant portion of the plant, contact your veterinarian — non-toxic does not mean unlimited quantities are harmless.
Which parts of the Money Tree are safe around dogs?
All parts of the Money Tree — leaves, trunk, and stems — are considered non-toxic to dogs. The main concern with any part of the plant is purely mechanical: large amounts of fibrous plant material can irritate the GI tract and cause upset stomach.
Same safety verdict
Other plants with the same verdict
Basil
Ocimum basilicum
Basil is a popular culinary herb known for its aromatic leaves and ease of growth in sunny indoor or outdoor environments. It is considered safe for pets, though large ingestions of fibrous plant material may occasionally cause minor digestive discomfort.
Generally safe for cats & dogs.
Canna Lily
Canna generalis
Canna Lily is a popular tropical perennial known for its vibrant, large flowers and bold foliage. It is considered safe for pets, though its fibrous nature may cause minor digestive discomfort if consumed in large quantities.
Generally safe for cats & dogs.
Carrot
Daucus carota var. sativa
The carrot is a popular root vegetable often grown in home gardens, known for its edible taproot and feathery foliage. It is considered safe for pets, though large ingestions of fibrous plant material may occasionally cause minor digestive upset.
Generally safe for cats & dogs.
Celosia
Celosia plumosa
Celosia is a popular ornamental plant known for its vibrant, feathery, or plume-like flower spikes. It is widely considered safe for households with pets, though ingestion of large amounts of fibrous plant material may cause minor digestive discomfort.
Generally safe for cats & dogs.
Same growing conditions
Plants for the same room
Monstera
Monstera deliciosa
Monstera deliciosa is a popular tropical houseplant known for its large, fenestrated leaves and vining growth habit. It contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that can cause irritation if ingested by pets.
Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.
Schefflera
Schefflera arboricola
Schefflera is a popular tropical houseplant known for its glossy, palm-like leaflets arranged in a circular pattern. It contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that can cause irritation upon ingestion.
Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.
Aechmea magdalenae
Aechmea magdalenae
Aechmea magdalenae is a species of bromeliad known for its large, spiny leaves and striking inflorescence. While many bromeliads are considered non-toxic, the physical structure of this plant poses mechanical injury risks to pets.
Generally safe for cats & dogs.
Autograph Tree
Clusia major
Clusia major is a tropical evergreen shrub known for its thick, leathery leaves and unique ability to grow as an epiphyte. It is commonly kept as a houseplant for its architectural foliage, but it contains compounds that can cause irritation if ingested by pets.
Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.