Plants / Hens and Chicks / cats

Is hens and chicks toxic to cats?

Hens and chicks (Echeveria elegans) is non-toxic to cats (S0 Safe): the ASPCA lists this rosette succulent as safe for cats, dogs, and horses — but note the same nickname is also used for Sempervivum, which our sources don't cover.

  • TOXINnone — no toxic principles on record
  • WHAT TO EXPECTno symptoms on record
  • CALL THE VETSee a vet only if unusual or persistent symptoms follow ingestion.
S0S1S2S3S4

Nothing to do — really

S0 PROTOCOL
1
No action needed for Echeveria elegans. First confirm which plant you have: our verdict covers the Echeveria sold as hens and chicks, not the Sempervivum houseleek that shares the name.
2
When to call the vet: See a vet only if unusual or persistent symptoms follow ingestion.

Care at a glance

Lightdirect
Waterevery 14–21 days
Humiditylow
Difficulty●○○

FAQ

Does "hens and chicks" always mean the same plant?

No — the name is shared by two different succulents, and our S0 verdict applies to one of them. The ASPCA's "Hens and Chickens" entry is Echeveria elegans (Crassulaceae), listed as "Non-Toxic to Dogs, Non-Toxic to Cats, Non-Toxic to Horses" — that's the smooth, pastel rosette most shops sell under this name. The same name is also used for Sempervivum tectorum (houseleek), which neither the ASPCA nor Pet Poison Helpline lists — we don't grade what our sources don't cover. If your rosette is Echeveria, chew away; if it's a Sempervivum, we simply can't vouch either way, so keep it out of reach as a default.