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Is Bracted Spiderwort toxic to cats?

Tradescantia bracteata

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists bracted spiderwort 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. Tradescantia bracteata is not individually listed on the ASPCA database, but the closely related T. fluminensis is listed as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses (dermatitis). The sap of Tradescantia species can cause skin irritation and mild gastrointestinal upset in pets; classified as mildly toxic as a precaution.

What to do if your cat ate bracted spiderwort

  1. Remove any plant material from your cat's mouth and move bracted spiderwort 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 bracted spiderwort to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.

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

Is bracted spiderwort toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is bracted spiderwort toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists bracted spiderwort 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. Tradescantia bracteata is not individually listed on the ASPCA database, but the closely related T. fluminensis is listed as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses (dermatitis). The sap of Tradescantia species can cause skin irritation and mild gastrointestinal upset in pets; classified as mildly toxic as a precaution.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats bracted spiderwort?

Tradescantia bracteata is not individually listed on the ASPCA database, but the closely related T. fluminensis is listed as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses (dermatitis). The sap of Tradescantia species can cause skin irritation and mild gastrointestinal upset in pets; classified as mildly toxic as a precaution. 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 bracted spiderwort.

What should I do if my cat ate bracted spiderwort?

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 bracted spiderwort toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Bracted Spiderwort is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full bracted spiderwort pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to bracted spiderwort?

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 bracted spiderwort pet-safety