Money Tree — (c) Martín Sánchez Vilchis, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), uploaded by Martín Sánchez Vilchis
Photo by (c) Martín Sánchez Vilchis, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), uploaded by Martín Sánchez VilchisiNaturalistCC BY-SA
cat safety reference

Is Money Tree safe for cats?

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

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.

What this means for your cat

Cats are safe around money trees — ASPCA lists Pachira aquatica with no toxic principle for cats. Don't confuse this with jade plant (Crassula ovata), which is sometimes also sold as 'money plant' and IS toxic to cats — check the leaves: thick paddle-shaped means jade, not Pachira.

Sources: ASPCA.

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; 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.

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

Open source

The Money Tree is listed as non-toxic to both cats and dogs by the ASPCA.

NC State Extension Plant Toolbox

botanical · 94% reliability

Open source

Pachira aquatica is a tropical wetland tree often grown as a houseplant for its attractive foliage and braided trunk.

Cats & dogs pagedogs page

Same cat verdict

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