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Is Mintleaf Spurflower toxic to cats?

Plectranthus madagascariensis

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists mintleaf spurflower 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. Plectranthus madagascariensis is not individually listed on the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant database. Related Plectranthus species such as P. australis (Swedish Ivy) are listed as non-toxic, but caution is advised as individual species vary; essential oils in aromatic Plectranthus can cause mild gastrointestinal upset if ingested by cats or dogs in quantity.

What to do if your cat ate mintleaf spurflower

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

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

Is mintleaf spurflower toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is mintleaf spurflower toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists mintleaf spurflower 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. Plectranthus madagascariensis is not individually listed on the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant database. Related Plectranthus species such as P. australis (Swedish Ivy) are listed as non-toxic, but caution is advised as individual species vary; essential oils in aromatic Plectranthus can cause mild gastrointestinal upset if ingested by cats or dogs in quantity.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats mintleaf spurflower?

Plectranthus madagascariensis is not individually listed on the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant database. Related Plectranthus species such as P. australis (Swedish Ivy) are listed as non-toxic, but caution is advised as individual species vary; essential oils in aromatic Plectranthus can cause mild gastrointestinal upset if ingested by cats or dogs in quantity. 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 mintleaf spurflower.

What should I do if my cat ate mintleaf spurflower?

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 mintleaf spurflower toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Mintleaf Spurflower is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full mintleaf spurflower pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to mintleaf spurflower?

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 mintleaf spurflower pet-safety