Plant safety for cats
Is money tree safe for cats?
SafeListed non-toxic to cats by ASPCA
Yes — the money tree (Pachira) is non-toxic to cats, though chewing a lot may upset the stomach. Careful: it is NOT the Indian 'money plant', which is golden pothos and toxic.
Why safe: Listed non-toxic; ASPCA still notes nausea or loose stool if a lot is chewed.
- Name
- Money treealso Pachira
- Botanical name
- Pachira aquatica · Malvaceae
How to recognise it
- A braided trunk
- Hand-like leaves of 5–7 glossy leaflets
Look-alikes and name traps
The name trap: India's money plant is golden pothos (toxic). Schefflera has similar hand-like leaves but no braid (toxic). Jade is sometimes sold as a 'money tree' (mildly toxic).
What to do
Listed non-toxic — no poisoning is expected.
- Any plant eaten in quantity can still cause a little vomiting or diarrhoea; call your vet if it keeps going.
- Pesticide or fertiliser on nursery plants is a separate risk: rinse new plants and keep fertiliser sticks out of the pot.
Where Indian cats meet it
Sold as a lucky gift plant with a braided trunk.
Sources
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control: Money tree
- NC State Plant Toolbox: Pachira aquatica (human toxicity data)
Facts last checked
General information for cat parents, not a diagnosis or a treatment plan. The facts come from ASPCA, Pet Poison Helpline, International Cat Care, the Merck Veterinary Manual and the other sources listed on every page — and we say so when the evidence comes from dogs or people. If your cat may have eaten something harmful, call your vet.
