Growli
Let's go

Pet safety

Is Queen's Tears toxic to cats?

Billbergia nutans

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists queen's tears as mildly toxic to cats — a chewing cat typically gets mouth irritation, drooling, and vomiting rather than a medical emergency, but it is still best kept out of reach. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List. The ASPCA does not individually list Billbergia nutans, and no member of the genus Billbergia appears in its toxic/non-toxic database — the only bromeliads it lists as non-toxic (Earth Star/Cryptanthus and Blushing Bromeliad/Neoregelia) are different genera. Without a confirmed listing we treat it conservatively as mildly toxic; please verify with your vet. Note the saw-toothed leaf edges can also physically scratch curious pets.

What to do if your cat ate queen's tears

  1. Remove any plant material from your cat's mouth and move queen's tears out of reach.
  2. Note how much was eaten and when, and watch for drooling, vomiting, or lethargy.
  3. Do not induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist instructs you to.
  4. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice.
  5. Bring a leaf or photo of queen's tears to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.

General guidance, not veterinary advice. If you think your cat has eaten queen's tears, contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 — do not wait for symptoms to worsen.

Is queen's tears toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is queen's tears toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists queen's tears as mildly toxic to cats — a chewing cat typically gets mouth irritation, drooling, and vomiting rather than a medical emergency, but it is still best kept out of reach. The ASPCA does not individually list Billbergia nutans, and no member of the genus Billbergia appears in its toxic/non-toxic database — the only bromeliads it lists as non-toxic (Earth Star/Cryptanthus and Blushing Bromeliad/Neoregelia) are different genera. Without a confirmed listing we treat it conservatively as mildly toxic; please verify with your vet. Note the saw-toothed leaf edges can also physically scratch curious pets.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats queen's tears?

The ASPCA does not individually list Billbergia nutans, and no member of the genus Billbergia appears in its toxic/non-toxic database — the only bromeliads it lists as non-toxic (Earth Star/Cryptanthus and Blushing Bromeliad/Neoregelia) are different genera. Without a confirmed listing we treat it conservatively as mildly toxic; please verify with your vet. Note the saw-toothed leaf edges can also physically scratch curious pets. Signs usually appear soon after chewing rather than hours later — watch for drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy after your cat has had access to queen's tears.

What should I do if my cat ate queen's tears?

Stay calm. Remove any plant from your cat's mouth and take the plant away. Note how much was eaten and when, and do not induce vomiting unless told to. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice; a leaf or photo helps the vet treat it correctly.

Is queen's tears toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Queen's Tears is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full queen's tears pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to queen's tears?

For a similar look without the risk, see the best cats-safe plants list — every plant there is ASPCA non-toxic to cats and dogs.

Full queen's tears pet-safety