Pet safety
Is Croton safe for cats and dogs?
Croton is not listed by the ASPCA, but reputable horticultural sources treat it as toxic to cats and dogs.
Considered toxic
Croton (Codiaeum variegatum) is not listed in the ASPCA database; this assessment follows reputable horticultural sources and errs on the side of caution. It is treated as toxic to cats and dogs. Keep it out of reach, and if your pet has chewed it, call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435.
Why there is no ASPCA entry for Croton
The ASPCA has no entry for Codiaeum variegatum, the garden croton on this page, under either its scientific name or the name croton. The toxic verdict here therefore follows reputable horticultural sources rather than an ASPCA record. The reason those sources take a firm line is the sap: croton belongs to the spurge family, Euphorbiaceae, whose members carry an irritant milky latex that comes out of any cut stem or torn leaf and irritates skin, mouth and eyes. That family reputation, not a listing, is what puts this plant on the caution side of the site.
What this verdict does and does not mean
Being non-toxic does not mean a plant is chew-proof: even pet-safe houseplants can upset a cat's or dog's stomach if they eat a large amount, simply because it is plant matter. Most toxic houseplants cause irritant-level symptoms, such as drooling, mouth soreness, or a mild upset stomach, rather than a medical emergency. A small number of plants are a genuine emergency, most notably true lilies (Lilium and Hemerocallis species) for cats, which can cause fatal kidney failure from even a small amount of pollen or a nibbled leaf. If you are ever in doubt, or your pet has eaten part of a plant, call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435.
Safer alternatives
Looking for something with a similar look and habit that is pet-safe instead?
- Calathea, see the care guide.
- Peperomia, see the care guide.
- Fittonia (Nerve Plant), see the care guide.
More on pet safety
Read the full care guide for Croton, browse the pet safety checker for other plants, or identify a plant from a photo first if you are not sure what you have. Verdicts here follow the ASPCA toxic and non-toxic plant list.