The Chinese money plant, also known as the pilea peperomioides, is an extremely popular houseplant. Its coin-shaped leaves make it look like a little tree sprouting coins, which is how it got its common name. This low-maintenance plant thrives indoors, and its supposed ability to bring good luck and fortune make it appealing for many plant parents.
But is this trendy houseplant safe to have around cats? This is an important question for any cat owner looking to add a new plant to their home. After all, our feline friends are notorious for chewing on houseplants, which can potentially expose them to toxicity.
The good news is that the Chinese money plant is non-toxic for cats So your curious kitty can nibble on a leaf or two without experiencing any ill effects. However, there are still some precautions cat owners should take when growing pilea peperomioides at home.
Is Chinese Money Plant Poisonous to Cats?
The Chinese money plant is considered safe and non-toxic for cats according to the ASPCA. The plant’s stems leaves, and sap do not contain toxins that are hazardous to cats.
Both the young plantlets that grow from the main stem and the adult leaves of the money plant are completely cat-friendly. So nibbling on a tiny portion of the plant will not cause toxicity symptoms in cats
However, that doesn’t mean you should let your cat feast on this plant! While small amounts are not dangerous, eating too much of any plant can lead to gastrointestinal upset like vomiting and diarrhea. The key is moderation.
Potential Risks of Chinese Money Plant for Cats
Although the pilea peperomioides itself is non-toxic for cats, there are some potential risks to be aware of if you decide to grow this plant at home.
Gastrointestinal Issues
Eating large quantities of the Chinese money plant may cause digestive problems for cats. Consuming too much of the leaves and stems can potentially lead to vomiting, diarrhea, and other stomach issues.
So while a small nibble here and there is fine, you don’t want your cat ingesting a lot of the plant. Monitor your kitty’s behavior closely if they show an interest in sampling the money plant.
Pesticides
Many houseplants sold at nurseries and stores have been treated with pesticides and fertilizers. If the pilea peperomioides has any chemical residue on its leaves, it could cause toxicity when ingested by cats.
Before bringing a new Chinese money plant home, check with the seller to see if it has been treated with any synthetic chemicals. Or consider buying an organic plant to eliminate this potential risk.
Individual Sensitivities
On rare occasions, individual cats may experience an allergic reaction or sensitivity to a “safe” plant. Each kitty is unique, so monitor yours closely when introducing any new greenery.
If your cat has any preexisting health issues, talk to your vet before allowing access to the money plant. Stop allowing access immediately if any concerning symptoms develop.
Tips for Growing Chinese Money Plant Safely with Cats
While the pilea peperomioides itself may be cat-safe, you still need to take some basic precautions when growing this plant at home if you have felines. Here are some tips for cat owners adding a Chinese money plant to their indoor jungle:
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Place it somewhere out of reach of cats, like on a high shelf or windowsill they can’t access. This will prevent chewing.
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Consider using deterrents like foil, citrus peels, or a cat-safe bitter spray on and around the plant.
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Keep the plant away from hanging wires, cords, or anything else that could injure a climbing cat.
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Opt for an organic Chinese money plant and avoid using any additional chemicals on it.
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Remove and discard any damaged leaves or stems that a cat may be tempted to eat.
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Provide alternative greens for your cat like cat grass or catnip.
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Monitor your cat closely and remove the plant immediately if any adverse effects occur.
Signs of a Chinese Money Plant Poisoning in Cats
While Chinese money plants are not toxic to cats, it’s still helpful to recognize the signs of plant poisoning in cats. If your kittyever eats another toxic plant, watch for these symptoms:
- Drooling or foaming at the mouth
- Swollen tongue and lips
- Upset stomach, vomiting, diarrhea
- Loss of appetite
- Pawing at the mouth
- Difficulty swallowing
- Increased heart rate
- Labored breathing
- Lethargy or depression
- Seizures
If you notice any of these symptoms, contact your vet or an animal poison control center immediately. Bring along a sample of the plant your cat ingested. Don’t wait to see if the symptoms resolve on their own.
Other Houseplants Toxic to Cats
While the pilea peperomioides is pet-friendly, there are many common houseplants that are toxic and potentially deadly to cats. Here are some to avoid if you share your home with felines:
- Lilies like Easter, tiger, and daylily
- Sago palm
- Oleander
- Azalea
- Chrysanthemum
- English ivy
- Philodendron
- Pothos
- Cyclamen
- ZZ plant
- Aloe vera
- Snake plant
Check out ASPCA’s full list of toxic and non-toxic plants if you are unsure about a plant. When in doubt, avoid bringing a plant home until you can confirm it is 100% cat-safe.
Cat-Safe Houseplants
If you want to enrich your cat’s environment with greenery, focus on these houseplants that are non-toxic for cats:
- Spider plant
- Boston fern
- Parlor palm
- Prayer plant
- Haworthia
- Peperomia (not pepperomia)
- Chinese money plant
- Air plants
- Pothos (but keep out of reach!)
You can also provide cat grass, catnip, and cat thyme for your feline to safely nibble on. Just be sure to supervise your cat and remove any houseplants immediately if they attempt to eat them.
The Bottom Line
The Chinese money plant can make a safe addition to a home with felines when some basic precautions are followed. While small amounts are not toxic, limit your cat’s access to prevent gastrointestinal upset from eating too much. Also be aware of potential pesticide residues.
Monitor your cat’s behavior closely and remove the plant right away if any adverse effects are noticed. While the pilea peperomioides itself may be non-toxic, individual sensitivities are still possible. With proper care and supervision, the lucky Chinese money plant can be safely enjoyed in a home with curious kitties!
The Confusion with Other “Money” Plants
Some confusion might arise from the fact that there are other plants colloquially referred to as “money plants”. For instance, the Jade Plant (also known as the Money Plant) and the Pothos (sometimes called the Money Plant or Devils Ivy) are both toxic to cats.
But dont let this throw you off. The Chinese Money Plant (Pilea peperomioides) is a different species altogether and is safe for your feline friends.
The Not-So-Good News
Now, before you start throwing a plant party for your cat, lets get one thing straight. Just because the plant isnt toxic doesnt mean its a cat-friendly snack. Ingesting any foreign substance can lead to indigestion or stomach upset in cats.
Tips & Tricks Chinese Money Plant (Pilea Peperomioides) by Focus New york
FAQ
Are Chinese money plants poisonous to cats?
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Safety for Cats:The Chinese money plant is considered safe for cats to nibble on or ingest, meaning it doesn’t contain any hazardous compounds.
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Potential for Digestive Upset:While the plant is non-toxic, ingesting any foreign substance can cause digestive upset in cats, so it’s still not recommended to allow them to eat large amounts of the plant.
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Symptoms of Upset:If your cat exhibits symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, or drooling after potentially ingesting the plant, it’s best to contact your vet and bring a sample of the plant with you.
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Other Pet-Friendly Plants:Other plants that are safe for cats include Boston ferns, spider plants, and money trees.
Is Money Tree plant toxic to cats?
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Toxicity:While not poisonous, money trees contain saponins, which can cause mild to moderate gastrointestinal distress if ingested in large quantities.
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Symptoms of Digestive Upset:If a cat ingests a significant amount of the plant, they might experience vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, loss of appetite, or drooling.
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Prevention:To keep your cat safe, it’s best to keep money trees out of reach, especially if you have a cat that is prone to chewing on plants.
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Other Pet-Friendly Plants:If you’re looking for other houseplants that are safe for cats, consider spider plants, hibiscus, bamboo, basil, dill, sage, or rosemary.
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If you suspect your cat has ingested a money tree, contact your veterinarian.
Is the Chinese fan plant safe for cats?
Let’s cut to the chase: the Chinese Fan Palm is non-toxic to cats. Research and resources, like the ASPCA’s comprehensive list, give it the green light. So, while your feline friend may be drawn to its swaying fronds, rest easy knowing they’re not a snack of doom.
Why does my cat eat my money plant?
Boredom, negative attention, and upset stomachs/hairballs tend to be the usual causes. Some plants. while toxic and have major health risks. can be a psychedelic to kitty in the same way that licking toads can be to us.