Pet safety
Is Port St. Johns Creepertoxic to cats & dogs?
Pandorea ricasoliana
Quick verdict — at a glance
- Toxic to cats?
- Yes — mildly
- Toxic to dogs?
- Yes — mildly
- ASPCA classification
- Mildly toxic to pets · botanical name Pandorea ricasoliana
Is port st. johns creeper safe for cats and dogs?
Mildly. The ASPCA flags port st. johns creeper 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. Note: Pandorea ricasoliana is sometimes listed in older references under Podranea ricasoliana (a separate genus). As Pandorea, it is not individually listed by ASPCA. As Podranea, it is likewise not ASPCA-listed with a specific toxic principle. No severe toxicity is documented, but as a Bignoniaceae vine, ingestion by pets or children is not recommended. Treat as mildly toxic.
| Pet | Toxic? | Per ASPCA |
|---|---|---|
| Cats | Yes (mild) | Mildly toxic to pets |
| Dogs | Yes (mild) | Mildly toxic to pets |
What happens if a pet eats port st. johns creeper?
Note: Pandorea ricasoliana is sometimes listed in older references under Podranea ricasoliana (a separate genus). As Pandorea, it is not individually listed by ASPCA. As Podranea, it is likewise not ASPCA-listed with a specific toxic principle. No severe toxicity is documented, but as a Bignoniaceae vine, ingestion by pets or children is not recommended. Treat as mildly toxic. 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 port st. johns creeper, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What to do if your pet ate port st. johns creeper
- Remove any plant material from your pet's mouth and move port st. johns creeper 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 port st. johns creeper 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 port st. johns creeper
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)
Port St. Johns Creeper and pets — frequently asked questions
Is port st. johns creeper toxic to cats?
Port St. Johns Creeper (Pandorea ricasoliana) is mildly toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Note: Pandorea ricasoliana is sometimes listed in older references under Podranea ricasoliana (a separate genus). As Pandorea, it is not individually listed by ASPCA. As Podranea, it is likewise not ASPCA-listed with a specific toxic principle. No severe toxicity is documented, but as a Bignoniaceae vine, ingestion by pets or children is not recommended. Treat as mildly toxic. 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 port st. johns creeper toxic to dogs?
Per the ASPCA, Port St. Johns Creeper (Pandorea ricasoliana) is mildly toxic to dogs. Dogs often chew more enthusiastically than cats, so a toxic plant like port st. johns creeper is best removed from the floor and low shelves entirely.
What happens if my pet eats port st. johns creeper?
Note: Pandorea ricasoliana is sometimes listed in older references under Podranea ricasoliana (a separate genus). As Pandorea, it is not individually listed by ASPCA. As Podranea, it is likewise not ASPCA-listed with a specific toxic principle. No severe toxicity is documented, but as a Bignoniaceae vine, ingestion by pets or children is not recommended. Treat as mildly toxic. 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 port st. johns creeper, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What should I do if my cat or dog ate port st. johns creeper?
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 port st. johns creeper to the appointment helps the vet treat it correctly.
What are pet-safe alternatives to port st. johns creeper?
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 port st. johns creeper care
Pet-safety is one piece of the picture. For light, watering, soil, and troubleshooting, see the complete port st. johns creeper care guide, or browse the full pet-safe plant library to check another plant before you buy it.