Pet safety
Is Red Ti Planttoxic to cats & dogs?
Cordyline fruticosa 'Red Sister'
Quick verdict — at a glance
- Toxic to cats?
- Yes — toxic
- Toxic to dogs?
- Yes — toxic
- ASPCA classification
- Toxic to pets · botanical name Cordyline fruticosa 'Red Sister'
Is red ti plant safe for cats and dogs?
No — red ti plant is toxic to cats and dogs. Keep it well away from any pet that chews plants; reactions can be significant. 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. ASPCA lists Cordyline (ti plant) as toxic to cats and dogs. The toxic principle is saponins; ingestion can cause vomiting (sometimes with blood), depression, anorexia, hypersalivation and dilated pupils in cats. Keep away from pets and chewing children.
| Pet | Toxic? | Per ASPCA |
|---|---|---|
| Cats | Yes | Toxic to pets |
| Dogs | Yes | Toxic to pets |
What happens if a pet eats red ti plant?
ASPCA lists Cordyline (ti plant) as toxic to cats and dogs. The toxic principle is saponins; ingestion can cause vomiting (sometimes with blood), depression, anorexia, hypersalivation and dilated pupils in cats. Keep away from pets and chewing children. 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 ti plant, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What to do if your pet ate red ti plant
- Remove any plant material from your pet's mouth and move red ti 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 and follow their advice.
- Bring a leaf or photo of red ti 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 — do not wait for symptoms to worsen.
Pet-safe alternatives to red ti plant
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 Ti Plant and pets — frequently asked questions
Is red ti plant toxic to cats?
Red Ti Plant (Cordyline fruticosa 'Red Sister') is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. ASPCA lists Cordyline (ti plant) as toxic to cats and dogs. The toxic principle is saponins; ingestion can cause vomiting (sometimes with blood), depression, anorexia, hypersalivation and dilated pupils in cats. Keep away from pets and chewing children. 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 ti plant toxic to dogs?
Per the ASPCA, Red Ti Plant (Cordyline fruticosa 'Red Sister') is toxic to dogs. Dogs often chew more enthusiastically than cats, so a toxic plant like red ti plant is best removed from the floor and low shelves entirely.
What happens if my pet eats red ti plant?
ASPCA lists Cordyline (ti plant) as toxic to cats and dogs. The toxic principle is saponins; ingestion can cause vomiting (sometimes with blood), depression, anorexia, hypersalivation and dilated pupils in cats. Keep away from pets and chewing children. 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 ti plant, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What should I do if my cat or dog ate red ti 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 (a consultation fee may apply) and follow their advice. Bringing a photo or a leaf of red ti plant to the appointment helps the vet treat it correctly.
What are pet-safe alternatives to red ti plant?
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 ti plant care
Pet-safety is one piece of the picture. For light, watering, soil, and troubleshooting, see the complete red ti plant care guide, or browse the full pet-safe plant library to check another plant before you buy it.