Pet safety
Is Laurel Clockvinetoxic to cats & dogs?
Thunbergia laurifolia
Quick verdict — at a glance
- Toxic to cats?
- Yes — mildly
- Toxic to dogs?
- Yes — mildly
- ASPCA classification
- Mildly toxic to pets · botanical name Thunbergia laurifolia
Is laurel clockvine safe for cats and dogs?
Mildly. The ASPCA flags laurel clockvine as mildly toxic to cats and dogs — a chewing pet gets oral irritation and drooling rather than a medical emergency, but it is still worth a high shelf. 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. Thunbergia laurifolia is not individually listed by the ASPCA, but the genus/family (Acanthaceae) has no confirmed highly toxic principle. Some sources associate mild gastrointestinal irritation in pets upon ingestion. Exercise caution and keep out of reach of pets until further ASPCA guidance is available.
| Pet | Toxic? | Per ASPCA |
|---|---|---|
| Cats | Yes (mild) | Mildly toxic to pets |
| Dogs | Yes (mild) | Mildly toxic to pets |
What happens if a pet eats laurel clockvine?
Thunbergia laurifolia is not individually listed by the ASPCA, but the genus/family (Acanthaceae) has no confirmed highly toxic principle. Some sources associate mild gastrointestinal irritation in pets upon ingestion. Exercise caution and keep out of reach of pets until further ASPCA guidance is available. 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 laurel clockvine, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What to do if your pet ate laurel clockvine
- Remove any plant material from your pet's mouth and move laurel clockvine 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 laurel clockvine 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 laurel clockvine
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:
- Prayer plant — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- Calathea — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- Parlor palm — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- Areca palm — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
Laurel Clockvine and pets — frequently asked questions
Is laurel clockvine toxic to cats?
Laurel Clockvine (Thunbergia laurifolia) is mildly toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Thunbergia laurifolia is not individually listed by the ASPCA, but the genus/family (Acanthaceae) has no confirmed highly toxic principle. Some sources associate mild gastrointestinal irritation in pets upon ingestion. Exercise caution and keep out of reach of pets until further ASPCA guidance is available. 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 laurel clockvine toxic to dogs?
Per the ASPCA, Laurel Clockvine (Thunbergia laurifolia) is mildly toxic to dogs. Dogs often chew more enthusiastically than cats, so a toxic plant like laurel clockvine is best removed from the floor and low shelves entirely.
What happens if my pet eats laurel clockvine?
Thunbergia laurifolia is not individually listed by the ASPCA, but the genus/family (Acanthaceae) has no confirmed highly toxic principle. Some sources associate mild gastrointestinal irritation in pets upon ingestion. Exercise caution and keep out of reach of pets until further ASPCA guidance is available. 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 laurel clockvine, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What should I do if my cat or dog ate laurel clockvine?
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 laurel clockvine to the appointment helps the vet treat it correctly.
What are pet-safe alternatives to laurel clockvine?
If you want a similar look without the risk, good non-toxic swaps include prayer plant, calathea, parlor palm, areca 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 laurel clockvine care
Pet-safety is one piece of the picture. For light, watering, soil, and troubleshooting, see the complete laurel clockvine care guide, or browse the full pet-safe plant library to check another plant before you buy it.