Pet safety
Is Red Clockvinetoxic to cats & dogs?
Thunbergia coccinea
Quick verdict — at a glance
- Toxic to cats?
- Yes — mildly
- Toxic to dogs?
- Yes — mildly
- ASPCA classification
- Mildly toxic to pets · botanical name Thunbergia coccinea
Is red clockvine safe for cats and dogs?
Use caution. Red Clockvine is on the mildly-toxic side of the ASPCA list. Most ingestions are short-lived but unpleasant for the pet; the cost-free fix is a placement they can't 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. Thunbergia coccinea is not individually listed by the ASPCA. The Acanthaceae family has no confirmed high-toxicity principle, but the species lacks individual ASPCA review. Treat as potentially irritating to pets if ingested and consult a vet if consumption occurs.
| Pet | Toxic? | Per ASPCA |
|---|---|---|
| Cats | Yes (mild) | Mildly toxic to pets |
| Dogs | Yes (mild) | Mildly toxic to pets |
What happens if a pet eats red clockvine?
Thunbergia coccinea is not individually listed by the ASPCA. The Acanthaceae family has no confirmed high-toxicity principle, but the species lacks individual ASPCA review. Treat as potentially irritating to pets if ingested and consult a vet if consumption occurs. 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 red clockvine, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What to do if your pet ate red clockvine
- Remove any plant material from your pet's mouth and move red 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 red 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 red 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)
Red Clockvine and pets — frequently asked questions
Is red clockvine toxic to cats?
Red Clockvine (Thunbergia coccinea) is mildly toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Thunbergia coccinea is not individually listed by the ASPCA. The Acanthaceae family has no confirmed high-toxicity principle, but the species lacks individual ASPCA review. Treat as potentially irritating to pets if ingested and consult a vet if consumption occurs. 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 red clockvine toxic to dogs?
Per the ASPCA, Red Clockvine (Thunbergia coccinea) is mildly toxic to dogs. Dogs often chew more enthusiastically than cats, so a toxic plant like red clockvine is best removed from the floor and low shelves entirely.
What happens if my pet eats red clockvine?
Thunbergia coccinea is not individually listed by the ASPCA. The Acanthaceae family has no confirmed high-toxicity principle, but the species lacks individual ASPCA review. Treat as potentially irritating to pets if ingested and consult a vet if consumption occurs. 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 red clockvine, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What should I do if my cat or dog ate red 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 red clockvine to the appointment helps the vet treat it correctly.
What are pet-safe alternatives to red 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 red clockvine care
Pet-safety is one piece of the picture. For light, watering, soil, and troubleshooting, see the complete red clockvine care guide, or browse the full pet-safe plant library to check another plant before you buy it.