Growli
Let's go

If your cat ate shrimp plant — do this now

  1. Take the plant away and clear any pieces from their mouth.
  2. Do not induce vomiting unless told to by a professional.
  3. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 now.

Shrimp Plant is mildly toxic to cats (ASPCA).

Pet emergency

My cat ate Shrimp Plant — what to do

Step by step

  1. Take shrimp plant away and remove any plant material from your cat's mouth so they cannot eat more.
  2. Note roughly how much was eaten and when — this helps the vet judge the risk.
  3. Do NOT induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist tells you to.
  4. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 (a consultation fee may apply) and follow their advice.
  5. 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 shrimp plant — FAQ

Is shrimp plant poisonous to cats?

Yes — the ASPCA lists Shrimp Plant (Justicia brandegeeana) as mildly toxic to cats. Justicia brandegeeana is not individually listed in the ASPCA toxic/non-toxic plant database, and the genus Justicia (Acanthaceae) has no ASPCA-listed members, so its safety is not formally established. (Note: the ASPCA's "Shrimp Cactus" entry is a different plant, Schlumbergera russelliana, not this species.) No toxic principle is documented, but as an unverified plant treat it as mildly toxic, prevent nibbling, and verify with your vet before trusting it around pets.

How serious is it if my cat ate shrimp plant?

Shrimp Plant 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. Justicia brandegeeana is not individually listed in the ASPCA toxic/non-toxic plant database, and the genus Justicia (Acanthaceae) has no ASPCA-listed members, so its safety is not formally established. (Note: the ASPCA's "Shrimp Cactus" entry is a different plant, Schlumbergera russelliana, not this species.) No toxic principle is documented, but as an unverified plant treat it as mildly toxic, prevent nibbling, and verify with your vet before trusting it around pets. 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 shrimp plant well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best cats-safe plants list.

Related