Is Peperomia Toxic To Cats?

When it comes to plants, many people aren’t aware of the fact that many household species can actually prove to be toxic for our feline friends.

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This can actually be incredibly tricky territory, because there are so many different species and varieties of plants out there, that you really need to do your research before purchasing any.

One of the most common varieties of plants out there are made up of the peperomia family. If you’re unfamiliar with this group, it’s actually made up of over 1000 different species.

You can find these plants growing in locations such as Asia, South America, and Africa. They’re incredibly common houseplants in the US, and lots of households will have them.

Because they’re so prevalent, this may lead you to question whether or not it’s safe for you to purchase a plant from the peperomia family.

This can be a tricky one to answer, and there’s not actually that much information out there surrounding this topic.

Thankfully, that’s where we come in. Below, we’re going to cover the topic in depth, and answer the question posed in the title of this article.

To find out more, simply keep reading.

Is Peperomia Toxic To Felines?

Now, why not just jump straight in and answer the question at hand, is peperomia toxic to our feline friends? The simple answer is no, peperomia isn’t considered to be toxic.

The ASPCA has revealed that it is safe for owners to have these kinds of plants in their home, without them being toxic to their pets.

We would recommend monitoring your pets however, as this particular type of species is considered to be highly appealing for both cats and dogs.

Sometimes, they might try to eat the leaves growing on the plant, and this can actually prove to be poisonous in some cases, if they eat massive amounts.

This isn’t because the plant itself is toxic, but it can still upset their stomach if they eat the leaves in large quantities.

Which Part Of The Plant Is Toxic?

As we mentioned before, the peperomia plant is not considered to be toxic for cats and dogs, instead, all of the different parts of the plant are considered to be non toxic.

Bear in mind however, that with more and more species of peperomia plant being domesticated, some of the more unusual varieties might not have that much research conducted on them yet in terms of pet toxicity.

What Are Some Of The Most Common Types Of Peperomia Plants?

Now that we’ve covered that peperomia is not generally considered to be toxic for cats, we can move on to discuss some of the most common varieties of the plant that you’ll see being sold.

Baby Rubber – This is probably the most common type of peperomia plant sold in the USA, and forms ovate leaves which have light veins running through them.
Trailing Jade – The Trailing Jade is known for being a houseplant that’s incredibly easy to take care of, and enjoys getting a lot of shade.

Emerald Ripple Pepper – This plant boasts small leaves that, as you may have already guessed from the name, have ripples on the surface.
Peperomia Albovittata – This plant is highly distinguishable on account of its leaves, which are heart like in terms of shape.
Watermelon Pepper – This plant has received its namesake from looking very much like a watermelon in terms of appearance. It has large, broad leaves, that have both

pale and dark green running through them.

How Can I Tell If My Cat Has Been Poisoned?

As we mentioned before, although the peperomia plant isn’t considered to be toxic, as with many plants, if consumed in large amounts, it can poison your cat.

This is why it’s important to monitor your cat, and be on the lookout if they display any strange symptoms.

If you’re wondering how to tell whether or not your cat has been poisoned by a peperomia plant, or any plant for that matter, one of the key signs is vomiting.

Your pet also may look as though they’re struggling with their balance, and their eyes may appear glassy and dazed.

Another common symptom of poisoning within cats is diarrhea, as well as being irritable in terms of temperament.

If you suspect that your pet may have been poisoned, then make sure to consult your vet immediately.

What Kinds Of Plants Are Toxic To Cats?

Now that we’ve covered the peperomia plant, and established that it’s not considered to be toxic for cats, we can move on to discuss some of the flowers and plants that can be harmful.

One of the most toxic flowers for cats includes lilies. If these are ingested by your cat, they can be fatal, even if your cat has just drunk the flower’s water from a vase.

Another highly toxic flower is the daffodil, which contains a poisonous alkaloid which can trigger a number of different harmful effects.

In terms of dangerous plants, aloe vera is considered to be highly toxic for cats, despite being a popular remedy for human beings.

In addition, cannabis can be highly toxic to your feline friend.