Pet safety
Is Eternal Flame Plant toxic to cats & dogs?
Goeppertia crocata
Non-toxic
Quick verdict — at a glance
- Toxic to cats?
- No — non-toxic
- Toxic to dogs?
- No — non-toxic
- ASPCA classification
- Pet-safe · botanical name Goeppertia crocata
Is eternal flame plant safe for cats and dogs?
Generally, yes — eternal flame plant is considered non-toxic to cats and dogs. The ASPCA does not list this species individually; that verdict comes from its genus and from the absence of any recorded toxicity, so a curious nibble is unlikely to cause harm, but it is not a guarantee. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List, the most widely used reference for companion-animal plant safety in the US and the standard most UK vets cite as well. Pet-safe. Goeppertia crocata is not individually named by the ASPCA, but the ASPCA lists the genus as "Calathea (Calathea spp.)", family Marantaceae, as non-toxic to dogs, cats, and horses, with no toxic Calathea species on its database. As always, verify with your vet if a pet ingests a large amount.
| Pet | Toxic? | Per ASPCA |
|---|---|---|
| Cats | No | Pet-safe |
| Dogs | No | Pet-safe |
What happens if a pet eats eternal flame plant?
Because eternal flame plant is non-toxic, a curious nibble will not poison a cat or dog. That said, no plant is meant to be eaten: a large quantity of any foliage can still cause mild, short-lived stomach upset or vomiting simply through fibre and volume. Persistent vomiting, diarrhoea, or lethargy after eating any plant is always worth a call to your vet, because the reaction may be to soil, fertiliser, or a pesticide rather than the plant itself.
What to do if your pet ate eternal flame plant
- Remove any plant material from your pet's mouth and move eternal flame plant out of reach.
- Note how much was eaten and when, and watch for drooling, vomiting, or lethargy.
- Do not induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist instructs you to.
- Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 in the US, or Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509 000 in the UK and follow their advice.
- Bring a leaf or photo of eternal flame plant to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.
This page is general guidance, not veterinary advice. Pets vary, and a reaction may be to soil, fertiliser, or pesticide rather than the plant. If you are worried, always contact a vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 in the US, or Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509 000 in the UK — do not wait for symptoms to worsen.
Eternal Flame Plant and pets — frequently asked questions
Is eternal flame plant toxic to cats?
Eternal Flame Plant (Goeppertia crocata) is non-toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Pet-safe. Goeppertia crocata is not individually named by the ASPCA, but the ASPCA lists the genus as "Calathea (Calathea spp.)", family Marantaceae, as non-toxic to dogs, cats, and horses, with no toxic Calathea species on its database. As always, verify with your vet if a pet ingests a large amount. It is a sensible pick for a cat household, though no plant should be a regular snack.
Is eternal flame plant toxic to dogs?
Per the ASPCA, Eternal Flame Plant (Goeppertia crocata) is non-toxic to dogs. Dogs that gulp large amounts of any foliage can still get a mild, brief stomach upset, so discourage grazing even on a non-toxic plant.
What happens if my pet eats eternal flame plant?
Because eternal flame plant is non-toxic, a curious nibble will not poison a cat or dog. That said, no plant is meant to be eaten: a large quantity of any foliage can still cause mild, short-lived stomach upset or vomiting simply through fibre and volume. Persistent vomiting, diarrhoea, or lethargy after eating any plant is always worth a call to your vet, because the reaction may be to soil, fertiliser, or a pesticide rather than the plant itself.
What should I do if my cat or dog ate eternal flame plant?
Stay calm. Remove any remaining plant material from your pet's mouth and take the plant away so they cannot eat more. Note roughly how much was eaten and when. Do not make your pet vomit unless a vet or poison-control specialist tells you to. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 in the US, or Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509 000 in the UK (a consultation fee may apply) and follow their advice. Bringing a photo or a leaf of eternal flame plant to the appointment helps the vet treat it correctly.
Which other plants are safe for cats and dogs?
Reliable non-toxic houseplants on the ASPCA list include spider plant, areca palm, calathea, peperomia, and most true ferns. You can browse Growli's full pet-safety library to check any plant before you buy it, and every entry cites the ASPCA classification it is based on.
Full eternal flame plant care
Pet-safety is one piece of the picture. For light, watering, soil, and troubleshooting, see the complete eternal flame plant care guide, or browse the full pet-safe plant library to check another plant before you buy it.
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