If you love and own cats and dogs like me, I’m sure you understand that I wouldn’t want anything happening to my precious pets. However, I’m a succulent enthusiast, but since some of these plants can be toxic to pets, it led me on a quest to find succulents that are safe for cats and dogs.
In my research, I came across several options I would like to share with you. So without much ado, let’s get started.
Are Succulents Safe For Cats And Dogs?
Yes and no. Although succulents are generally considered non-toxic to cats and dogs, some varieties can cause mild to moderate gastrointestinal upset if ingested. Also, if your pets come into contact with succulents with spines or thorns, they can cause physical injury.
Therefore, I would advise you to always err on the side of caution and take precautions to keep your pets away from potentially harmful plants, whether succulent or otherwise. Also, note if your cat or dog ingests non-toxic plants in large quantities, they may suffer gastrointestinal issues.
As you already know, accidents happen, so what should you do if your pets ingest toxic succulents or non-toxic ones in large quantities? Seek veterinary care immediately.
Also Read:
13 Succulents That Are Safe For Cats And Dogs
As I mentioned, some succulents are safe for dogs and cats, but which ones are they? Find out below.
1. Zebra Haworthia
Do you love aloes but have cats and dogs at home? The Zebra Haworthia is a safe option. While aloes can harm your pets if they ingest it, your dogs and cats can ingest Zebra Haworthia without suffering adverse consequences. This pet-friendly succulent thrives indoors and outdoors and is suited for zones 9 to 11.
It has thick, fleshy leaves that grow in a rosette pattern and white, horizontal stripes that resemble zebra stripes. This plant can easily beautify your spaces but be careful not to burn and discolor it by exposing it to bright light.
Also Read: Easiest Succulents to Grow
2. Ponytail Palm
Do you want a plant that doesn’t embody the usual appearance of succulents but is still safe for cats and dogs? Go for a Ponytail Palm that resembles a small palm tree. You may think this is a palm tree, but it is not a true palm despite its name but a member of the Agave family.
Its long, slender leaves cascade outward from the trunk’s top in a fountain-like manner, resembling a ponytail. These leaves are green, long, narrow, and slightly curved. Ponytail Palm is recommended for zones 9 to 11.
3. Hens and Chicks (Sempervivum tectorum)
Sempervivum forms tight rosettes of thick, fleshy leaves in various colors, including green, red, purple, and even some with intricate patterns. You will easily see Sempervivum in rock gardens, container gardening, and other outdoor planting arrangements.
So why not introduce it to your spaces to add texture and color to your landscape?
When it comes to the safety of your dogs and cats, worry not; Sempervivum will not harm them. Aside from its beauty and non-toxic nature, this versatile succulent thrives in various conditions, but it is best suited for cooler climates within zones 3 to 8.
Also Read: Best trailing and hanging succulents
4. Blue Echeveria
You can plant and love the stunning Blue Echeveria with cats and dogs at home without worrying about the plant poisoning them. This succulent is prized for its exquisite coloration and rosette form, featuring blue or blueish-gray, fleshy, thick rosette-shaped leaves.
Blue Echeveria’s leaves are also coated with a powdery or waxy substance that gives them a blue or silvery hue.
It thrives in zones 9 to 11 since it prefers mild to warm temperatures and is not frost-tolerant. Does your location meet these conditions? If so, consider planting Blue Echeveriain your succulent gardens, containers, and indoor displays.
5. Haworthia retusa
Don’t freak out if your cats and dogs ingest Haworthia retusa because it’s non-toxic to them. Although this compact and visually appealing succulent is slow-growing, it makes an excellent pot plant, and you can also add it to your succulent arrangements and rock gardens.
An exciting and unique aspect of this plant is its washboard or windowpane-like textured surface. However, that is not all; Haworthia retusa features triangular rosette leaves. While Native to South Africa and well-suited for indoor growth, it performs in zones 9-11.
6. Burro’s Tail
The pet-friendly nature and cascading habit of Burro’s Tail alone will have you falling in love with this plant. It is popularly used for hanging baskets and container gardening due to its unique trailing habit and attractive appearance.
The bluish-green or grayish-green cylindrical and fleshy leaves, resembling beads on a string, also contribute to its stunning appearance. Despite being a slow-growing plant, its stems can grow several feet long over time, creating an impressive trailing effect, thus making your outdoor and indoor spaces elegant. Burro’s Tail is best grown in zones 9 to 11.
7. Sempervivum “Ruby Heart”
This succulent gets the name “Ruby Heart” from the reddish hues its rosettes may exhibit. The pet-friendly plant is a beautiful and striking cultivar that will absolutely add vibrant colors to your gardens, rockeries, and containers.
Its compact size, hardiness, and pet-friendly nature make it well-liked by succulent enthusiasts. With proper care and suitable growing conditions, Sempervivum “Ruby Heart” can thrive and bring visual appeal to your plant collection.
When it comes to growing zones, it flourishes in zones 3 to 8 like other Sempervivum varieties. However, it’s resilient enough to survive various conditions.
8. Christmas Cactus
The holiday season is colorful, with plenty of decorations. Christmas Cactus is one succulent that isn’t left behind during this time as it blooms vibrant, tubular flowers in shades of pink, red, white, or lavender.
So, if not for anything else, plant it for these beautiful flowers that can add to the festive cheer in your home.
However, this succulent offers much more. For instance, it is non-toxic to cats and dogs and thus safe if you are a pet parent.
It has flattened, segmented stems with small, claw-shaped projections along the edges. Christmas Cactus is primarily grown as indoor plants and can thrive in a wide range of climates. It is recommended for hardiness zones 10 to 12.
9. Dragon Fruit Cactus
Do you enjoy eating dragon fruit? Then why not plant the Dragon Fruit Cactus that produces yellow, orange, or red fruits? The climbing or vining cactus has long, succulent-like stems that can grow several meters long.
Besides offering delicious fruits, you will also love its unique and decorative appearance. However, while it will give you fruits, the scales or spikes on the outer skin can hurt your cats or dogs if they come into contact with or ingest them, so be careful. The plant is best suited for zones 10 to 11.
10. Opuntia Cactus
This is another plant that produces fruits that you can eat raw or use in various culinary preparations, including juices, jams, and desserts, after removing the spikes. These cacti are known for their flat, segmented stems (pads) covered in spines and clusters of vibrant flowers.
While the Opuntia species are not poisonous to dogs and cats, the spines can cause skin irritation or injury in your pets. Nonetheless, I love this succulent for its distinct flat pads, colorful flowers, and fruits since they create unique aesthetics.
11. Sempervivum “Pacific Blue Ice”
Your search is over if you are in the quest for a succulent that can tolerate colder temperatures and is safe for your dogs and cats as well. The Pacific Blue Ice thrives in zones 3 to 8, so you get to enjoy it all year round in colder climates.
In terms of appearance, the striking blue-gray rosettes will easily add a cool-toned touch to your gardens, rockeries, and containers.
12. Hardy Sedum
Harsh conditions don’t bother this succulent, so it will do well whether you grow it in poor soils or harsh climates, including colder regions and freezing temperatures. However, this dog and cat-friendly succulent flourishes in zones 3 to 9.
Plant it in rock gardens, borders, groundcovers, or green roofs for its fleshy, rounded, elongated succulent leaves and a low-growing, spreading habit. You may also see its stems in different colors ranging from green to shades of red or purple.
Also, many sedums produce clusters of star-shaped flowers in colors like white, yellow, pink, or red during the summer and fall.
13. Gasteria
We can trace the popularity of Gasteria to their unique rosette-shaped leaves and ease of care, and you will also love that they are safe for cats and dogs if you own them.
Gasteria plants typically form rosettes of dark green, thick, fleshy, triangular, or lance-shaped leaves that grow in a spiral pattern.
They produce tall flower stalks with tubular flowers in different colors, such as pink, white, red, or orange. Also, some species have rough, warty textures on their leaves.
Final Remarks
You do not have to choose between growing succulents and being a cat or dog owner because they can co-exist, provided you choose pet-friendly succulents. The succulent plants above are beautiful and will not harm your cats and dogs, so they are worth considering.
Hey there, fellow plant enthusiasts! I’m Rachel, the green-thumbed writer behind Rooted In Garden. With a deep-rooted love for all things botanical, I’ve made it my mission to help you cultivate a thriving collection of houseplants. As a devoted plant parent myself, I understand the joys and challenges that come with nurturing these leafy wonders. Whether you’re a succulent aficionado, an orchid enthusiast, or simply adore all potted flora, join me on this journey as we explore the secrets to growing and caring for our beloved green companions. Together, let’s create a flourishing oasis indoors.