Is String of Pearls Toxic to Cats?
Also known as: String of Beads, Rosary Pearls, Curio rowleyanus · Curio rowleyanus
What makes it toxic
Toxic alkaloids in the fleshy bead-shaped leaves plus an irritating sap. Ingestion triggers strong digestive upset; sap contact causes redness and itching.
Warning signs to watch for
Drooling, vomiting, diarrhea and lethargy within hours of chewing. Skin contact with broken stems can leave red, itchy patches.
What to do if your cat eats it
Rinse the mouth, wash any sap off the fur and call your vet if vomiting persists or the cat seems weak. Hang the plant well out of reach of climbing cats.
Common questions
Can string of pearls kill a cat?
Fatalities are rare and not well documented. Typical cases are a rough day of vomiting and diarrhea that improves with supportive care.
Why do the dangling strands tempt cats?
Cats instinctively hunt anything that dangles and sways. Hang the plant high and trim strands before they reach cat level.
Are string of tears or bananas the same?
They are close relatives (Curio species) and should be treated as toxic too.
More plants checked for cats
This page is general educational information, not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. Every pet is different — if your animal ate something concerning, contact your veterinarian or a pet poison hotline right away. Checking what your pet can eat? Visit our sister site SafeOrToxic.