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Pet safety

Is Shrimp Plant toxic to cats?

Justicia brandegeeana

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists shrimp plant 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. Justicia brandegeeana is not individually listed in the ASPCA toxic/non-toxic plant database, and the genus Justicia (Acanthaceae) has no ASPCA-listed members, so its safety is not formally established. (Note: the ASPCA's "Shrimp Cactus" entry is a different plant, Schlumbergera russelliana, not this species.) No toxic principle is documented, but as an unverified plant treat it as mildly toxic, prevent nibbling, and verify with your vet before trusting it around pets.

What to do if your cat ate shrimp plant

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

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

Is shrimp plant toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is shrimp plant toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists shrimp plant 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 brandegeeana is not individually listed in the ASPCA toxic/non-toxic plant database, and the genus Justicia (Acanthaceae) has no ASPCA-listed members, so its safety is not formally established. (Note: the ASPCA's "Shrimp Cactus" entry is a different plant, Schlumbergera russelliana, not this species.) No toxic principle is documented, but as an unverified plant treat it as mildly toxic, prevent nibbling, and verify with your vet before trusting it around pets.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats shrimp plant?

Justicia brandegeeana is not individually listed in the ASPCA toxic/non-toxic plant database, and the genus Justicia (Acanthaceae) has no ASPCA-listed members, so its safety is not formally established. (Note: the ASPCA's "Shrimp Cactus" entry is a different plant, Schlumbergera russelliana, not this species.) No toxic principle is documented, but as an unverified plant treat it as mildly toxic, prevent nibbling, and verify with your vet before trusting it around pets. 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 shrimp plant.

What should I do if my cat ate shrimp plant?

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 shrimp plant toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Shrimp Plant is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full shrimp plant pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to shrimp plant?

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 shrimp plant pet-safety