The croton (Codiaeum variegatum), also called garden croton, is a superb perennial plant native to Malaysia. Its leathery, lobed leaves take on beautiful bright colors when exposed to light. During the summer, tiny yellow star-shaped flowers may appear in clusters.
However, if you are a cat owner, you probably already know the attraction that your beautiful indoor plants have on your curious little feline. While most are safe for cats, the croton plant sadly is not. Indeed, the Pet Poison Helpline has it in its list of poisonous plants for pets.1 Read on to learn the symptoms of croton ingestion by cats and what to do if it happens.
What Happens If Your Cat Ingests a Croton Plant?
If you catch your cat chewing on a piece of your lovely croton plant, be on the lookout for the following symptoms:
Vomiting
Skin irritation (especially if the cat has been in contact with the sap)
Excessive drooling
Diarrhea
Digestion problems
These are all due to oral and gastrointestinal irritation in your pet. The severity of the signs will be depending on the amount ingested. Fortunately, the toxicity to croton ingestion is rated as mild.
Image By: Yuliya Alekseeva, Shutterstock
What to Do If Your Cat Ingests a Croton Plant
Although serious complications from croton ingestion are fairly rare, the symptoms should not be taken lightly, or your cat may develop more serious health problems.
If you suspect that your cat has ingested a croton plant, make sure to:
Call your veterinarian or the Pet Poison Helpline ((855) 764-7661). The degree of toxicity of a plant can vary depending on the amount ingested, your cat’s physical condition, age, and other factors. Calling a professional is therefore the first step when you believe that your pet has eaten something toxic.
The good news is that the croton plant has a bitter taste that usually puts cats off. Therefore, it is quite possible that even if your kitty chews on a piece, its repulsive taste will make them regret their curiosity. Nevertheless, since prevention is better than cure, it is best to keep your croton plant out of reach of your intrepid feline.
However, if you want full peace of mind, there are plenty of other beautiful indoor plants that are safe for cats.
Image Credit: Lux Blue, Shutterstock
Top 5 Cat-Friendly Indoor Plants
1. Haworthia
Part of the succulent family, Haworthia species looks like the aloe plant. Its long, pointed leaves also give it a bit of a cactus-like appearance (minus the thorns!).
In addition, this plant is as easy to maintain as succulents, requiring a bit of water and a large amount of indirect light. It’s perfect on a decorative shelf or at the corner of your work desk!
Image By: MartinPhotography, Pixabay
2.Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exalta bostoniensis)
The fern is a classic and 100% safe for your four-legged creatures. In addition, it adapts to all styles of decoration. You just have to change its pot to give it a completely different look!
Image Credit By: inonoyazy, pixabay
3. Succulents (Echeveria species)
These have been invading Pinterest boards for a few years, and we understand why! Colorful, easy to care for, and oh-so-pretty, these succulents are also safe for little kittens.
Image Credit: Veronicatxoxo, Pixabay
4. Spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
The spider plant is an omnipresent decoration. Often hung in a planter or perched on top of kitchen cabinets, it is harmless for your beloved feline.
Moreover, these plants have the particularity of having “babies” quite quickly, so you will get several plants for the price of one!
Image Credit: Bozhena Melnyk, Shutterstock
5. African violet (Saintpaulia species)
The African violet is a beautiful plant with domed leaves and colorful flowers. It’s perfect for giving a touch of shine to a piece of furniture or a corner that lacks a little love.
Image Credit: AnitaBozic, Pixabay
Final Thoughts
Croton plants are toxic to cats, and ingestion may cause oral and gastrointestinal irritation. Fortunately, these reactions are usually mild and temporary. However, if you notice any signs such as vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, or skin irritation in your pet, you should contact your veterinarian or the Pet Poison Helpline immediately.
Genevieve is a biologist and science writer. Her deep love for capuchin monkeys, pumas, and kangaroos has taken her worldwide to work and volunteer for several wildlife rehabilitation centers in Bolivia, Guatemala, Canada, and Australia. As a Canadian expat, Genevieve now lives in Argentina, where she wakes up every morning to horses and cows saying hello from the vast plain next to her home office window. She is the proud mom of three rescued dogs , Lemmy, Nala, and Pochi, and a frisky kitten, Furiosa. Having the privilege of sharing her knowledge and passion for animals of all kinds is what makes her fulfilled and happy.
