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.
Pet safety reference
Elephant Bush
Portulacaria afra
Succulent shrub commonly sold as 'mini jade' but a distinct species with a much safer toxicology profile than true jade.
Dwarf jadeElephant bushMini jadePortulacaria afraSpekboom
- Light
- bright indirect to sun
- Habit
- shrubby succulent
- Care
- easy
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
Not classified as toxic by major veterinary poison references; mild GI upset possible with large ingestion.
Escalation note
No specific emergency concerns documented.
Dogs — concern notes
Common signs
Not classified as toxic by major veterinary poison references; mild GI upset possible.
Escalation note
Monitor for persistent symptoms.
Source evidence
NC State Extension: Portulacaria afra
botanical · 94% reliability
NC State Extension confirms Portulacaria afra identity and notes it is commonly confused with Crassula ovata.
ASPCA: not listed as toxic (Portulacaria afra)
toxicology · 85% reliability
ASPCA does not list Portulacaria afra among plants toxic to cats or dogs; absence from the toxic list is commonly cited in pet-safe plant roundups.
Same safety verdict
Other plants with the same verdict
Spider Plant
Chlorophytum comosum
Common arching houseplant frequently used as a safer-looking substitute for more irritating trailing vines.
Generally safe for cats & dogs.
Boston Fern
Nephrolepis exaltata
Classic feathery fern often used when a household wants a softer look without a known toxicity flag for cats and dogs.
Generally safe for cats & dogs.
Money Tree
Pachira aquatica
Braided-trunk tropical tree marketed as a lucky money tree; ASPCA lists it as non-toxic to cats and dogs.
Generally safe for cats & dogs.
Areca Palm
Dypsis lutescens
True palm commonly sold as a tall, feathery houseplant and widely referenced as non-toxic to cats and dogs.
Generally safe for cats & dogs.
Same growing conditions
Plants for the same room
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera
Popular succulent with medicinal gel for humans; the latex layer under the skin is toxic to cats and dogs.
Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.
Jade Plant
Crassula ovata
Very common succulent houseplant often sold as jade or lucky plant; classified as toxic to cats and dogs.
Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.