No, string of hearts (Ceropegia woodii) is generally considered non-toxic to cats and dogs. It is not known to poison pets, but chewing any plant can cause mild stomach upset. Keep an eye on a pet that eats a lot, and call your vet if vomiting continues or you are unsure which plant was eaten.
If you want a trailing plant for a home with pets, string of hearts is one of the better choices. Many popular trailers, such as pothos and philodendron, are listed as toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA.
String of hearts is a pretty trailing plant that is relatively easy to grow. You can grow it in hanging baskets or on shelves, ideally where a cat cannot pull the vines or knock the pot down.
In this guide, we’ll explain what is known about string of hearts and pets, how it compares to toxic trailing plants, what to do if your pet eats some, and other pet-friendly alternatives if you’re building a non-toxic plant collection.
For complete plant care information, see our string of hearts care guide.
Is String of Hearts Toxic to Cats and Dogs?
No. String of hearts is not known to be toxic to cats or dogs, and it is widely recommended as a pet-friendly trailing plant.
Why String of Hearts Is Considered Safe
No toxic compound or poisoning case is documented for string of hearts in the pet-safety references we checked. Unlike pothos and philodendron, it is not described as containing the insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that make those plants painful to chew, and unlike Tradescantia plants such as wandering jew and purple heart, it is not associated with sap irritation.
That means a cat or dog that nibbles a vine is not expected to develop the mouth pain, heavy drooling, or swallowing trouble seen with calcium-oxalate plants. The most likely problem is minor digestive upset from eating plant material, which is not meant to be food.
What the ASPCA Says
The ASPCA plant database does not have a dedicated entry for string of hearts (Ceropegia woodii), so it is neither listed as toxic nor formally listed as non-toxic there. Its non-toxic reputation comes from horticultural and pet-safety references. Always confirm the exact plant name, because similar-looking trailing plants can be toxic, and check the ASPCA plant database for any other plant you are unsure about.
Advantages of Pet-Safe Plants
Having a pet-friendly trailing plant opens up more display options.
Fewer Placement Restrictions
Because string of hearts is not known to be toxic, placement is mostly about protecting the plant and avoiding accidents:
- Low shelves and furniture are reasonable if your pet ignores plants
- Hanging baskets keep the fragile vines away from playful paws
- Use stable pots so a cat cannot knock soil and pot onto the floor
- Trim vines that hang into jumping or batting range if your cat plays with them
- Keep fertilizer and pest sprays stored away from pets
Peace of Mind
A nibbled leaf is far less worrying than with a toxic plant, so you do not need the strict barriers that pothos or lilies require. You should still discourage chewing, because eating a lot of any plant can upset a pet’s stomach.
Comparing to Toxic Trailing Plants
Understanding which similar plants ARE toxic helps you make safe choices.
Toxic Trailing Plants to Avoid (If You Have Pets)
Pothos (all varieties): Toxic to cats and dogs (ASPCA), with insoluble calcium oxalate crystals. Causes mouth irritation, drooling, vomiting.
Philodendron (all species): Toxic to cats and dogs (ASPCA), with insoluble calcium oxalates. Similar symptoms to pothos.
Wandering Jew (Tradescantia zebrina): Mildly toxic; mainly skin, mouth, and stomach irritation. For details, see our wandering jew toxic to cats guide.
Purple Heart (Tradescantia pallida): Mildly toxic; mainly skin, mouth, and stomach irritation. See our purple heart toxic to cats guide.
English Ivy: Toxic to cats and dogs (ASPCA); can cause vomiting, abdominal pain, drooling, and diarrhea.
Why String of Hearts Is the Better Choice
String of hearts offers a similar trailing look without the calcium oxalates of pothos and philodendron or the sap irritation of Tradescantia. The delicate heart-shaped leaves still create a dramatic display.
Other Pet-Safe Trailing Plants
If you’re building a pet-safe collection, these trailing plants are listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA.
Pet-Safe Trailing Options
Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum): Non-toxic, with variegated green-and-white foliage. Produces trailing baby plants. Very easy to grow. See are spider plants toxic to cats?
Boston Fern: Lush, cascading fronds that are non-toxic to pets. Prefers higher humidity but tolerates average household conditions.
Peperomia varieties: Many Peperomia species are listed as non-toxic, including trailing peperomia (Peperomia prostrata, often sold as string of turtles).
Christmas Cactus: Non-toxic, with cascading stems and colorful blooms. Easy to grow and propagate. See is Christmas cactus toxic to cats?
What If My Pet Eats String of Hearts Anyway?
Even though it is not known to be toxic, eating a large amount of plant material can cause mild digestive upset.
Expected Effects
If a pet eats string of hearts, they might experience:
- Mild stomach discomfort
- Possible vomiting (from eating non-food items, not toxicity)
- Mild diarrhea
These symptoms are usually mild and short-lived, similar to what can happen when a pet eats grass or other non-toxic plant material.
When to Contact Your Vet
If your pet ate a lot or seems unwell: remove any plant pieces from the mouth only if you can do so safely, offer fresh water, and call your veterinarian. For advice any time in the US, contact the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 or Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661 (a consultation fee may apply). Go to an emergency veterinary hospital right away for trouble breathing, swelling of the face or tongue, repeated vomiting, or collapse.
Contact your vet if:
- Vomiting or diarrhea is repeated, severe, or lasts beyond 24 hours
- Your pet shows signs of distress, weakness, or refuses food
- You’re unsure about what the pet ate (to confirm it was string of hearts and not another plant)
Do not induce vomiting or give home remedies unless a veterinarian tells you to.
Common Questions About String of Hearts and Cats
Is string of hearts toxic to cats?
No. String of hearts (Ceropegia woodii) is generally considered non-toxic to cats and is one of the more pet-friendly trailing houseplants. Unlike pothos and philodendron, it is not known to contain irritating calcium oxalate crystals. A cat that eats a lot of any plant can still get a mild stomach upset, so discourage chewing and call your vet if vomiting continues.
Is string of hearts safe for dogs?
Yes, it is generally considered non-toxic to dogs. It is not expected to cause the mouth irritation, drooling, or swallowing trouble associated with calcium-oxalate plants. Eating a large amount of any plant material can still cause mild digestive upset, so call your vet if your dog keeps vomiting or seems unwell.
What trailing plants are safe for cats?
Pet-friendly trailing plants include string of hearts (Ceropegia woodii), spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum), Boston fern, trailing peperomia (Peperomia prostrata), Christmas cactus, and many other Peperomia species. Avoid pothos, philodendron, and English ivy, which the ASPCA lists as toxic, and keep wandering jew and purple heart out of reach because they can irritate skin, mouth, and stomach.
Can I grow string of hearts in a cat-friendly home?
Yes. String of hearts is a good choice for cat-friendly homes because it is not known to be toxic. Hanging baskets or shelves work well; keep the pot stable so it cannot be knocked down, and trim vines your cat likes to bat. This is a major advantage over trailing plants like pothos or wandering jew, which must be kept fully out of pet reach.
For pet owners who love trailing plants, string of hearts is one of the best choices: attractive, relatively easy to care for, and not known to be toxic to cats or dogs.
Still, discourage pets from eating large amounts of any plant material. Provide cat grass or chew toys as alternatives and use positive reinforcement to keep pets away from plants. If your cat does take a nibble of string of hearts, poisoning is not expected; watch for stomach upset and call your vet if it does not settle.
More Pet-Safety Plant Guides
- Best pet-safe indoor plants
- Is wandering jew toxic to cats?
- Are purple heart plants toxic to cats?
- Are spider plants toxic to cats?
Related Care Guides
- String of Hearts Care: Complete Guide – Master all aspects of care
- String of Hearts Propagation – Multiply your plants
Expert Resources & Further Reading
- ASPCA: Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants Database – Official pet safety database
- Pet Poison Helpline – Emergency toxicity hotline
