Pet emergency
My cat ate Never Never Plant 'Grey Star' — what to do
Step by step
- Take never never plant 'grey star' away and remove any plant material from your cat's mouth so they cannot eat more.
- Note roughly how much was eaten and when — this helps the vet judge the risk.
- Do NOT induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist tells you to.
- Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 (a consultation fee may apply) and follow their advice.
- Watch for drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or lethargy, and bring a leaf or photo to the appointment.
This is general guidance, not veterinary advice. Pets vary, and a reaction may be to soil, fertiliser, or pesticide as well as the plant. When in doubt, call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435.
My cat ate never never plant 'grey star' — FAQ
Is never never plant 'grey star' poisonous to cats?
Yes — the ASPCA lists Never Never Plant 'Grey Star' (Ctenanthe setosa 'Grey Star') as mildly toxic to cats. Ctenanthe setosa is not individually listed in the ASPCA toxic and non-toxic plant database. The ASPCA's non-toxic "Prayer Plant" and "Maranta" entries both refer to a different genus (Calathea insignis), so genus-level safety cannot be assumed. Treat it as mildly toxic, expect possible vomiting or stomach upset if pets chew large amounts, and verify with your vet.
How serious is it if my cat ate never never plant 'grey star'?
Never Never Plant 'Grey Star' is mildly toxic, so most cats get short-lived mouth irritation, drooling, and vomiting rather than a life-threatening reaction. It is still worth a vet call to be safe, especially if your cat ate a lot or symptoms persist.
What symptoms should I watch for?
Signs usually appear soon after chewing: drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy. Ctenanthe setosa is not individually listed in the ASPCA toxic and non-toxic plant database. The ASPCA's non-toxic "Prayer Plant" and "Maranta" entries both refer to a different genus (Calathea insignis), so genus-level safety cannot be assumed. Treat it as mildly toxic, expect possible vomiting or stomach upset if pets chew large amounts, and verify with your vet. Any worsening or persistent symptoms warrant an immediate vet visit.
Should I make my cat vomit?
No — do not induce vomiting unless a vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center specifically tells you to. The wrong action can make things worse. Call (888) 426-4435 and follow professional advice.
How do I stop this happening again?
Keep never never plant 'grey star' well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best cats-safe plants list.
Related
- Is never never plant 'grey star' toxic to cats? — full toxicity detail
- Never Never Plant 'Grey Star' and pets — the complete ASPCA pet-safety guide