Last updated: April 10, 2026
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Is String of Hearts Toxic to Cats?
String of hearts (Ceropegia woodii) is not toxic to cats. According to the ASPCA and leading veterinary toxicology resources, this popular trailing succulent is considered non-toxic to both cats and dogs. If your cat nibbles on a string of hearts vine, you can breathe easy knowing it does not contain the harmful compounds found in many other houseplants.
This is excellent news for plant-loving cat owners, because string of hearts is one of the most visually striking houseplants available. Its delicate, heart-shaped leaves cascade on slender purple stems, making it a favorite for hanging planters and high shelves, the exact spots where curious cats love to explore.
While the plant itself is safe, there are still some practical considerations for sharing your home with both string of hearts and a feline companion. Cats who chew on any plant material can experience mild digestive upset, and a determined cat can quickly destroy a delicate trailing plant.
Why String of Hearts Is Considered Safe
String of hearts belongs to the Apocynaceae family, which does include some toxic genera. However, the Ceropegia genus has been evaluated by veterinary toxicologists and found to lack the cardiac glycosides and other dangerous compounds present in its more notorious relatives like oleander.
The plant does not contain calcium oxalate crystals, alkaloids, or saponins that cause the mouth irritation, organ damage, or neurological symptoms associated with many toxic houseplants. Its milky sap is mild and does not cause the same dermatological reactions as related plants.
The ASPCA’s Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant database specifically lists Ceropegia woodii as non-toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. This makes string of hearts one of the safest decorative houseplants you can choose if you share your home with pets.
What Happens If Your Cat Eats String of Hearts
Even though string of hearts is non-toxic, eating plant material is not a natural part of a cat’s diet. Cats are obligate carnivores, and their digestive systems are not designed to process large amounts of plant fiber. If your cat munches on string of hearts, you may notice:
- Mild stomach upset or soft stools
- Occasional vomiting of plant material
- Decreased interest in their regular food temporarily
These symptoms are generally mild, short-lived, and not a cause for alarm. They result from the physical properties of the plant fiber rather than any toxic compound. Most cats who nibble on string of hearts do so out of curiosity or boredom and lose interest quickly.
However, if your cat vomits repeatedly, refuses to eat for more than 24 hours, or shows signs of lethargy or diarrhea, contact your veterinarian. While these symptoms are unlikely to be caused by string of hearts specifically, they could indicate another underlying issue or that your cat ingested a different, potentially toxic substance.
Why Cats Chew on Houseplants
Understanding why your cat is attracted to your string of hearts can help you manage the behavior and protect both your cat and your plant. Common reasons cats chew on plants include:
Boredom and lack of stimulation. Indoor cats who do not have enough mental and physical enrichment may turn to plants as a source of entertainment. The dangling vines of a string of hearts are especially tempting because they move and sway, triggering your cat’s predatory instincts.
Dietary instinct. Some behaviorists believe cats occasionally seek out plant material to aid digestion or induce vomiting to clear hairballs. Providing cat grass (wheatgrass or oat grass) gives your cat a safe, dedicated outlet for this behavior.
Texture and taste exploration. Kittens and young cats in particular explore the world with their mouths. The thin, dangling stems of trailing plants are irresistible to a playful young cat. For more ways to keep your cat mentally engaged and away from your plants, check out our indoor cat enrichment guide.
Protecting Your String of Hearts From Your Cat
While your cat will be fine if they sample your string of hearts, the plant may not survive the encounter. String of hearts has delicate stems that snap easily, and a playful cat can strip a mature plant in a single session. Here are strategies to protect your plant:
- Hang it high. Place your string of hearts in a hanging planter mounted from the ceiling or a high wall bracket, ensuring the trailing vines are out of your cat’s jumping range.
- Use a closed terrarium. A glass terrarium or cloche protects the plant while allowing you to enjoy its beauty. Ensure adequate ventilation to prevent rot.
- Provide alternatives. Offer cat grass or catnip plants as designated chewing outlets. Cats who have their own plants are often less interested in yours.
- Redirect with play. If your cat targets your plants when bored, increase interactive play sessions with wand toys and puzzle feeders.
If your cat is a relentless plant chewer, consider placing the string of hearts in a room that your cat does not have access to. A sunny bathroom or home office with a closed door can be the perfect spot for plants that need protection from feline attention.
Other Cat-Safe Houseplants to Consider
If you enjoy having greenery in your home, building a collection of cat-safe plants is a smart approach. Here are other popular houseplants that are non-toxic to cats:
- Spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum): A classic houseplant with arching, variegated leaves. Non-toxic, though cats are famously attracted to its dangling plantlets.
- Boston fern (Nephrolepis exaltata): Lush and feathery, this fern is completely safe for cats and thrives in humid, indirect-light environments.
- Calathea varieties: Known for their stunning patterned leaves, calatheas are non-toxic and prefer the same indirect light conditions as many cat-friendly homes.
- Peperomia: Compact, diverse, and entirely pet-safe. Available in dozens of shapes, colors, and textures.
On the other hand, some plants that look similar to string of hearts or are commonly kept alongside it are toxic to cats. String of pearls (Senecio rowleyanus), pothos (Epipremnum aureum), and philodendrons should be avoided or kept completely out of reach. For more on toxic plants, read our article on whether monstera is toxic to cats and our guide to succulent safety for cats.
When to Contact Your Veterinarian
Since string of hearts is non-toxic, a quick nibble does not warrant a vet visit. However, you should call your veterinarian if:
- Your cat shows persistent vomiting or diarrhea lasting more than 24 hours.
- You are not 100 percent certain the plant your cat chewed on was string of hearts. Many trailing plants look similar, and some, like string of pearls, are toxic.
- Your cat displays unusual behavior, lethargy, or loss of appetite that does not resolve quickly.
- You suspect your cat may have also ingested soil, fertilizer, or pesticide from the plant pot, as these substances can be harmful.
If you are ever unsure whether a plant is safe, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888-426-4435) can help you identify the plant and assess the risk. It is always better to call and confirm than to assume everything is fine. For more on keeping your cat healthy, visit our cat care blog.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is string of hearts the same as string of pearls?
No. String of hearts (Ceropegia woodii) and string of pearls (Senecio rowleyanus) are different plants from different families. While string of hearts is non-toxic to cats, string of pearls is toxic and can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy if ingested.
Can kittens safely be around string of hearts?
Yes, kittens are safe around string of hearts since the plant is non-toxic. However, kittens are more likely to play with and destroy the delicate vines, so keeping the plant out of reach is wise for the sake of the plant itself.
Should I worry if my cat ate string of hearts soil?
Potting soil itself is generally low-toxicity, but it can contain fertilizers, perlite, or pest control additives that may cause digestive upset. If your cat ate soil and shows symptoms like vomiting or diarrhea, contact your vet to be safe.
Does string of hearts cause allergic reactions in cats?
Allergic reactions to string of hearts in cats are not documented in veterinary literature. While any individual cat could theoretically have a sensitivity to any plant, this is extremely rare with Ceropegia species.
Is string of hearts safe for dogs too?
Yes. The ASPCA lists string of hearts as non-toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. It is one of the safer choices for multi-pet households where both cats and dogs have access to indoor plants.
