The money tree plant (Pachira aquatica, USDA zones 10-12) is a desirable houseplant, both for the tradition it represents of bringing good fortune to a home and for its ease of care. You aren't likely to consider the plant good fortune, however, if it could possibly harm your beloved feline friend. The good news is that the money tree plant is not toxic to cats if ingested, but it may cause stomach upset.
Tip
A money tree plant is not toxic to cats, but it could cause an upset stomach if your cat eats part of it.
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The Money Tree Plant
The money tree plant is a tropical beauty, growing to heights of 60 feet in the wild, although it tends to remain much smaller in cultivation. Outdoor plants in the home garden grow as large, bushy shrubs with a maximum height of 30 feet.
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More commonly, money tree plants are grown as houseplants. Potted, indoor money tree plants can reach an average maximum height of between 6 and 8 feet. Indoor and outdoor plants thrive in full sun to almost full shade, and in moist to wet soil.
The Curious Kitty
Inquisitive and playful, most cats can't resist the long, shiny green leaves of the money tree plant, which quiver in the gentlest breeze. Not only that, but the ornamental trunk is just an invitation to climb. As saplings, money tree plants have thin, flexible trunks. Sometimes, three or more trees are planted in one pot with their trunks braided together, providing the perfect ladder for a curious cat.
What if a Cat Nibbles a Jade Plant?
If your kitty does decide to climb up and take a nibble of any part of the plant, its health won't be seriously affected. Still, even non-toxic plants can cause stomach upset in your kitty, so it's best to place your money tree in an inaccessible location, such as in a room where you can shut the door and deny your cat access. It's more difficult to prevent an outdoor cat from chewing on an outdoor money tree plant, but you can try spraying the plant with a bitter-tasting spray formulated specifically for this purpose to discourage snacking.
If you caught your cat sampling the goods, and it seems out-of-sorts, it never hurts to go ahead and contact your vet. Sometimes, getting reassurance and advice from an expert is the best course of action.
Money Tree Lookalike Plants
Although Pachira aquatica is probably the most well-known plant with the "money tree" moniker, other plants are thought to bring good fortune as well. The jade plant (Crassula ovata, zones 11-12) is also often called the "money tree plant" and, like Pachira aquatica, it's commonly grown as a houseplant. Unfortunately, unlike Pachira aquatica, the jade plant is toxic to cats.
The jade plant can grow to 6 feet tall outdoors and, typically, to a maximum height of 30 inches indoors. This plant thrives in bright light with some afternoon shade and on soil that is allowed to dry out a bit between waterings. If you have a cat, try to keep it away from this plant by putting the plant in an inaccessible location in your home or garden. If your cat does ingest part of a jade plant, contact your local veterinarian immediately.