Jade Plant
Crassula ovata · Crassulaceae
How it looks
Jade Plant is a succulent with thick, oval, glossy succulent leaves arranged opposite. The leaf margins sometimes take on a reddish tint, and the stem grows thick and woody-hard. It reaches 12 in to 3 ft (30 cm-1 m) tall and is commonly grown as a plant said to bring good fortune.
Mild caution — stomach irritation
All parts of Jade Plant contain irritating compounds that can cause vomiting and depression if chewed. Most cats recover on their own, but as a caution-level plant it still calls for monitoring.
Guide for parents
An occasional nibble of Jade Plant usually doesn't lead to anything serious, but the unidentified compounds in it can irritate the stomach and mucous membranes and cause mild gastrointestinal symptoms. Make a habit of clearing away fallen leaves or broken stems the same day, and keep the pot somewhere your cat can't reach. If symptoms last more than 12 hours or your cat's appetite clearly drops, consult your vet.
If ingested
Contact your nearest vet immediately
- Onset
- Right away to within 2 hours of ingestion
- Symptoms
- Vomiting, depression, ataxia
- Action
- Rinse the mouth with water and monitor. Consult a vet if symptoms last more than 12 hours.
Details
- Scientific name
- Crassula ovata
- Common name
- Jade Plant
- Family
- Crassulaceae
- Toxic parts
- All parts
- Compounds
- Unknown
- Onset
- Right away to within 2 hours of ingestion
- Symptoms
- Vomiting, depression, ataxia
- Action
- Rinse the mouth with water and monitor. Consult a vet if symptoms last more than 12 hours.
- Source
- ASPCA
