Pet safety
Is Never Never Plant 'Grey Star'toxic to cats & dogs?
Ctenanthe setosa 'Grey Star'
Quick verdict — at a glance
- Toxic to cats?
- Yes — mildly
- Toxic to dogs?
- Yes — mildly
- ASPCA classification
- Mildly toxic to pets · botanical name Ctenanthe setosa 'Grey Star'
Is never never plant 'grey star' safe for cats and dogs?
Not entirely — never never plant 'grey star' is mildly toxic to cats and dogs. It rarely causes serious harm, but chewing it triggers real discomfort, so keep it out of a pet's reach. 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. 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.
| Pet | Toxic? | Per ASPCA |
|---|---|---|
| Cats | Yes (mild) | Mildly toxic to pets |
| Dogs | Yes (mild) | Mildly toxic to pets |
What happens if a pet eats never never plant 'grey star'?
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. Signs usually appear soon after chewing rather than hours later. If you see drooling, pawing at the mouth, head-shaking, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy after your pet has had access to never never plant 'grey star', treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What to do if your pet ate never never plant 'grey star'
- Remove any plant material from your pet's mouth and move never never plant 'grey star' 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 and follow their advice.
- Bring a leaf or photo of never never plant 'grey star' 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 — do not wait for symptoms to worsen.
Pet-safe alternatives to never never plant 'grey star'
Want the same look without the risk? These plants are listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA and have similar care needs:
- Peperomia — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- Cast iron plant — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- Spider plant — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- Ponytail palm — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
Never Never Plant 'Grey Star' and pets — frequently asked questions
Is never never plant 'grey star' toxic to cats?
Never Never Plant 'Grey Star' (Ctenanthe setosa 'Grey Star') is mildly toxic to pets to cats according to the ASPCA. 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. Keep it out of reach and contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 if your cat chews it.
Is never never plant 'grey star' toxic to dogs?
The ASPCA lists the same toxicity status for dogs as for cats: Never Never Plant 'Grey Star' is mildly toxic to pets. Dogs often chew more enthusiastically than cats, so a toxic plant like never never plant 'grey star' is best removed from the floor and low shelves entirely.
What happens if my pet eats never never plant 'grey star'?
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. Signs usually appear soon after chewing rather than hours later. If you see drooling, pawing at the mouth, head-shaking, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy after your pet has had access to never never plant 'grey star', treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What should I do if my cat or dog ate never never plant 'grey star'?
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 (a consultation fee may apply) and follow their advice. Bringing a photo or a leaf of never never plant 'grey star' to the appointment helps the vet treat it correctly.
What are pet-safe alternatives to never never plant 'grey star'?
If you want a similar look without the risk, good non-toxic swaps include peperomia, cast iron plant, spider plant, ponytail palm. All of these are listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA, so they suit a home where pets have access to your plants.
Full never never plant 'grey star' care
Pet-safety is one piece of the picture. For light, watering, soil, and troubleshooting, see the complete never never plant 'grey star' care guide, or browse the full pet-safe plant library to check another plant before you buy it.