Crassula ovata
Why is it risky?
Jade plant contains toxic compounds (not yet fully characterized) that cause GI distress and, critically, neurological effects including CNS depression and cardiac slowing in cats. Clinical cases consistently document more severe toxicity in cats than dogs. Jade plants are extremely common houseplants, particularly frequent on windowsills in older households.
Affected Systems
Digestive · Nervous · Cardiovascular
Symptoms
Vomiting, lethargy, depression, loss of coordination, slow heart rate (bradycardia).
What To Do
Vet visit for any ingestion, neurological signs can progress. Supportive care: IV fluids, cardiac monitoring.
Notes
Also sold as: money plant, lucky plant, friendship tree, dollar plant. Frequently placed on windowsills where cats perch. Related Crassula species (silver dollar plant, Crassula arborescens) are assumed to carry similar risk. Not to be confused with Epipremnum aureum (pothos), which is also sometimes called "money plant" despite being botanically unrelated.
Sources
→ ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center — aspca.org/pet-care/aspca-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants/jade-plant
→ Pet Poison Helpline — petpoisonhelpline.com