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Is Indian Coleus toxic to cats?

Plectranthus barbatus

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists indian coleus 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. Not individually listed by ASPCA. The plant contains essential oils and the diterpene forskolin; documented embryotoxic activity in rodents at high doses has been recorded, and ingestion may cause vomiting, diarrhoea, or mild skin irritation in cats and dogs — keep pets away from this plant.

What to do if your cat ate indian coleus

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

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

Is indian coleus toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is indian coleus toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists indian coleus 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. Not individually listed by ASPCA. The plant contains essential oils and the diterpene forskolin; documented embryotoxic activity in rodents at high doses has been recorded, and ingestion may cause vomiting, diarrhoea, or mild skin irritation in cats and dogs — keep pets away from this plant.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats indian coleus?

Not individually listed by ASPCA. The plant contains essential oils and the diterpene forskolin; documented embryotoxic activity in rodents at high doses has been recorded, and ingestion may cause vomiting, diarrhoea, or mild skin irritation in cats and dogs — keep pets away from this plant. 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 indian coleus.

What should I do if my cat ate indian coleus?

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 indian coleus toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Indian Coleus is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full indian coleus pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to indian coleus?

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 indian coleus pet-safety