Is Cuphea hyssopifolia toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists cuphea hyssopifolia 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. Cuphea hyssopifolia is not individually listed on the ASPCA toxic or non-toxic plant database, so a definitive pet-safe label cannot be made from an authoritative source. Treat it with caution and verify with a vet; ingestion may cause mild gastrointestinal upset and pets should be discouraged from chewing the foliage.

Cuphea hyssopifolia is not individually listed on the ASPCA toxic or non-toxic plant database, so a definitive pet-safe label cannot be made from an authoritative source. Treat it with caution and verify with a vet; ingestion may cause mild gastrointestinal upset and pets should be discouraged from chewing the foliage. 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 cuphea hyssopifolia.

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.

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Cuphea hyssopifolia is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full cuphea hyssopifolia pet-safety guide for both species.

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.