Is Justicia aurea toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists justicia aurea 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. Justicia aurea is not individually listed by the ASPCA, and there is no established ASPCA genus ruling for Justicia. While many Acanthaceae relatives are non-toxic, that is not a basis to assert safety, so treat with caution: ingestion may cause mild gastrointestinal upset. Verify with a vet before assuming it is pet-safe.

Justicia aurea is not individually listed by the ASPCA, and there is no established ASPCA genus ruling for Justicia. While many Acanthaceae relatives are non-toxic, that is not a basis to assert safety, so treat with caution: ingestion may cause mild gastrointestinal upset. Verify with a vet before assuming it is pet-safe. 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 justicia aurea.

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: Justicia aurea is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full justicia aurea 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.