Is string of bananas toxic to cats?
Curio radicans
Yes. String of bananas is toxic to cats, graded low severity by NC State Extension. The agent is pyrrolizidine alkaloids. Call your vet if a cat has eaten any.
- Take any remaining plant material out of their mouth and rinse the mouth with water.
- Call someone. Your own vet first. Otherwise ASPCA Animal Poison Control on (888) 426-4435 or the Pet Poison Helpline on (855) 764-7661 — both charge a fee.
- Take a photo of the plant, and note roughly how much was eaten and when. It is the first thing you will be asked.
- Do not make your cat vomit unless a vet tells you to.
What it does, and why
The authorities we cite record this species as toxic without identifying the responsible compound. We are not going to guess at one. The reported signs below are what is actually documented.
Reported signs
- vomiting
- diarrhoea
- lethargy
- skin irritation
Signs as listed by the ASPCA . Not every animal shows all of them.
What each authority says
- ASPCA
- No record page found under any name tested.
- NC State Extension
- Poison severity: Low · Pyrrolizidine alkaloids · Toxic if ingested by humans, pets, or livestock: loss of appetite, nausea, and vomiting. If large amounts are ingested, it can cause irreversible liver disease. The sap can cause skin irritation or rash.
What to keep instead
Species in this database listed non-toxic to cats and dogs, chosen for a similar look or similar care rather than at random.
| Plant | Family | Water | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Burro’s tailSedum morganianum | Crassulaceae | 14–28d | 2/5 |
| Mistletoe cactusRhipsalis baccifera | Cactaceae | 7–14d | 1/5 |
Swapping the plant is the only measure that reliably works. Height and hanging baskets buy less time than people expect with a determined cat.
The other animal
Looking for dogs? See is string of bananas toxic to dogs. Full care details are on the string of bananas species entry.
Sources
- North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox — Curio radicans Checked 2026-09-12.
- Royal Botanic Gardens Kew, Plants of the World Online — Curio radicans Accepted name and family. Checked 2026-09-12.
- Wikidata entity Q50840600 — entity identity, so this record can be matched against other databases.
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, (888) 426-4435 — emergency line, fee applies
Compiled and edited by Tony Valcarcel · 2026-09-11
Tony Valcarcel is the editor and publisher of this database, not a veterinarian.
Severity is reproduced from the authority that published it and is never
originated here. How this is sourced.
This page is a reference, not a diagnosis. In an emergency, call rather than read.