Is String of Turtles Toxic to Cats: A Safety Guide

Pet Emergencies & Safety Joanna Tate March 19, 2025

If you’re a cat owner, you likely worry about which plants are safe to bring into your home.

According to the ASPCA and veterinary experts, the plant isn’t toxic to cats.

However, while the plant isn’t poisonous, cats who nibble on it may still experience mild stomach upset.

In this guide, we’ll examine the safety of String of Turtles for your feline friends.

There are potential symptoms to watch for if your cat takes a bite, safer plant alternatives for cat households, and basic care tips for this pet-friendly plant.

What is a String of Turtles?

String of Turtles (Peperomia prostrata) is a small, trailing houseplant with unique, round leaves that feature a striking pattern resembling turtle shells.

The leaves are dark green with lighter green veins, creating a web-like design on each leaf.

These tiny leaves grow along thin, reddish-purple stems that can trail up to 12 inches long when mature.

This plant has become popular with houseplant enthusiasts due to its eye-catching appearance, compact size, and relatively low maintenance needs.

Many plant collectors appreciate its unusual leaf pattern and the gentle way it cascades, making it a standout addition to any indoor plant collection.

You’ll commonly find String of Turtles displayed in hanging baskets where its trailing stems can showcase their full beauty.

It’s also frequently placed on shelves or plant stands where the stems can gracefully spill over the edges.

Is String of Turtles Toxic to Cats?

Good news for cat owners who love houseplants – String of Turtles is not toxic to cats.

This fact is confirmed by trusted authorities including the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) and various veterinary sources like NC State University.

The plant does not contain poisonous compounds that would harm your feline friend.

However, just because a plant isn’t toxic doesn’t mean it’s meant to be eaten. Even non-toxic plants can cause mild digestive issues in cats.

This happens because cats are obligate carnivores with digestive systems designed primarily for meat, not plant material.

Their bodies cannot efficiently break down certain plant fibers and compounds.

The plant’s physical structure can also cause minor irritation to your cat’s mouth or throat as they chew on the leaves or stems.

While these effects aren’t dangerous, they can be uncomfortable for your pet.

What Happens if a Cat Eats String of Turtles?

If your cat nibbles on String of Turtles, they may experience several mild symptoms. The most common reaction is slight stomach upset, which resolves within 24 hours.

Cats who eat larger amounts might vomit once or twice as their body works to clear the plant material.

Some cats may temporarily lose interest in food while their digestive system processes the unfamiliar plant matter.

Even a small amount of this plant can cause mild discomfort for some cats.

The reaction varies based on your cat’s size, age, and sensitivity. Kittens and cats with existing digestive issues may show more noticeable symptoms.

Call Your Vet If

• Vomiting continues for more than 24 hours
• Your cat refuses to eat for more than a day
• You notice signs of pain, such as hiding or crying
• There’s blood in vomit or stool
• Your cat seems lethargic or unusually quiet

Your vet may recommend monitoring at home or might want to examine your cat depending on their symptoms.

Why Do Cats Eat Houseplants?

Cats often chew on houseplants for various natural reasons.

Understanding these motivations can help you manage this behavior effectively.

Cats are naturally curious animals.

New plants in their territory spark interest, and they explore by pawing, sniffing, and sometimes tasting these unfamiliar objects.

Young cats and kittens are especially likely to investigate plants through chewing.

Some cats may nibble on plants because they need more fiber.

While cats are primarily meat-eaters, small amounts of plant material can help digestion. In the wild, cats occasionally eat grass and plant material.

Many cats have an instinct to eat greens to help with hairballs or to settle their stomachs.

This behavior is similar to outdoor cats sometimes eating grass to help clear their digestive tract.

To Discourage Plant Chewing

• Place plants in hard-to-reach areas like high shelves
• Create a cat garden with safe options like cat grass or catnip
• Use bitter apple spray (safe for cats) on plant leaves
• Provide plenty of cat toys to redirect their attention
• Ensure your cat has a balanced diet with adequate fiber
• Consider motion-activated deterrents that make noise when cats approach plants

Safe Houseplants for Cats

If you’re a cat owner looking to expand your indoor garden, many beautiful plants are safe to keep around your curious feline.

Excellent Cat-Friendly Houseplants

Spider Plant (Chlorophytum Comosum) features long, arching leaves with white stripes, producing tiny plantlets that dangle from long stems.

They’re non-toxic and can be a safe nibbling option for curious cats.

Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens) offers feathery fronds that create a tropical feel.

This elegant palm is completely safe for cats and helps purify indoor air.

Calathea varieties include plants with stunning patterned leaves that move throughout the day.

These prayer plants are non-toxic to cats and come in varieties with different leaf patterns.

Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata) has soft, feathery fronds that cats may find interesting but won’t harm them if nibbled.

These classic houseplants prefer humid environments.

String of Hearts (Ceropegia woodii) features delicate, heart-shaped leaves on thin vines, making it a lovely trailing plant safe for cat households.

Plants to Avoid  

• Lilies (extremely dangerous – even pollen can cause kidney failure)
• Sago Palm (all parts are poisonous)
• Pothos/Devil’s Ivy (causes mouth irritation and swelling)
• Philodendron (contains calcium oxalate crystals harmful to cats)
• Monstera Deliciosa (can cause severe mouth irritation)

Always research new plants before bringing them home if you have cats, as some popular houseplants can cause serious health issues.

Best Care Tips for String of Turtles

Care Factor	Recommendation
Light	Bright, indirect light works best. Avoid direct sunlight, which can burn leaves.
Watering	Let the soil dry slightly before watering. Typically, water once every 7-10 days.
Humidity	Prefers moderate to high humidity. Mist occasionally or place on a pebble tray.
Soil & Potting	Use a well-draining potting mix to prevent root rot. Add perlite or pumice for better drainage.

How to Keep Cats Away from Your Plants

Placing Plants Out of Reach

• Hang plants from ceiling hooks or wall brackets
• Use high shelves with no jumping platforms nearby
• Try terrariums for smaller plants

Using Natural Deterrents

• Scatter citrus peels around plant bases
• Spray diluted lemon juice on leaves (avoid the soil)
• Apply pet-safe bitter sprays to plant leaves
• Place pebbles on the soil to prevent digging

Providing Cat-Safe Alternatives

• Grow cat grass in accessible pots
• Plant catnip in designated areas
• Create a small indoor cat garden with safe herbs
• Place alternatives near windows where cats like to perch

Final Thoughts

String of Turtles is a safe houseplant option for cat owners.

While not toxic, cats should still be discouraged from eating it to avoid minor stomach upset.

For the best experience with plants and pets, keep String of Turtles in less accessible locations like hanging planters or high shelves.

Use deterrents when needed and provide cat-friendly alternatives like cat grass to satisfy your feline’s plant-nibbling instincts.

With these simple precautions, your String of Turtles and your cat can thrive together in the same home.

Letting you enjoy a green space without compromising your pet’s safety.