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Pet safety

Is Tradescantia 'Lilac' toxic to cats?

Tradescantia cerinthoides 'Lilac'

Toxic to cats

Yes — tradescantia 'lilac' is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List. The ASPCA lists Inch Plant (Tradescantia spp.) as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses, causing dermatitis. The watery sap irritates skin and the mouth on contact and can cause drooling, mild GI upset, and red, itchy skin if chewed. Keep trailing stems out of reach of pets.

What to do if your cat ate tradescantia 'lilac'

  1. Remove any plant material from your cat's mouth and move tradescantia 'lilac' 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 in the US, or Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509 000 in the UK and follow their advice.
  5. Bring a leaf or photo of tradescantia 'lilac' to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.

General guidance, not veterinary advice. If you think your cat has eaten tradescantia 'lilac', contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 in the US, or Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509 000 in the UK — do not wait for symptoms to worsen.

Is tradescantia 'lilac' toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is tradescantia 'lilac' toxic to cats?

Yes — tradescantia 'lilac' is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. The ASPCA lists Inch Plant (Tradescantia spp.) as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses, causing dermatitis. The watery sap irritates skin and the mouth on contact and can cause drooling, mild GI upset, and red, itchy skin if chewed. Keep trailing stems out of reach of pets.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats tradescantia 'lilac'?

The ASPCA lists Inch Plant (Tradescantia spp.) as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses, causing dermatitis. The watery sap irritates skin and the mouth on contact and can cause drooling, mild GI upset, and red, itchy skin if chewed. Keep trailing stems out of reach of 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 tradescantia 'lilac'.

What should I do if my cat ate tradescantia 'lilac'?

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 in the US, or Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509 000 in the UK and follow their advice; a leaf or photo helps the vet treat it correctly.

Is tradescantia 'lilac' toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Tradescantia 'Lilac' is toxic to dogs as well. See the full tradescantia 'lilac' pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to tradescantia 'lilac'?

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.

Type any plant to see what the ASPCA says about it and your cat.

Full tradescantia 'lilac' pet-safety

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