Is Houttuynia cordata 'Chameleon' toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists houttuynia cordata 'chameleon' 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. As a cultivar of Houttuynia cordata, it is not individually listed in the ASPCA toxic/non-toxic database, so its pet status is not formally established; treat with caution and verify with a vet. Houttuynia contains aristolactams (analogues of nephrotoxic aristolochic acid), so it should not be assumed pet-safe and pets should be kept from grazing on it.

As a cultivar of Houttuynia cordata, it is not individually listed in the ASPCA toxic/non-toxic database, so its pet status is not formally established; treat with caution and verify with a vet. Houttuynia contains aristolactams (analogues of nephrotoxic aristolochic acid), so it should not be assumed pet-safe and pets should be kept from grazing on it. 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 houttuynia cordata 'chameleon'.

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: Houttuynia cordata 'Chameleon' is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full houttuynia cordata 'chameleon' 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.