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Pet safety

Is Moses in the Cradle toxic to cats?

Tradescantia spathacea

Toxic to cats

Yes — moses in the cradle 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. Tradescantia is listed by the ASPCA as toxic to cats and dogs. The sap causes oral and gastrointestinal irritation if chewed and contact dermatitis on skin, leading to drooling, mouth irritation and digestive upset. Keep it away from pets and people prone to skin reactions, and contact a vet if a pet ingests it.

What to do if your cat ate moses in the cradle

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

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

Is moses in the cradle toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is moses in the cradle toxic to cats?

Yes — moses in the cradle is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Tradescantia is listed by the ASPCA as toxic to cats and dogs. The sap causes oral and gastrointestinal irritation if chewed and contact dermatitis on skin, leading to drooling, mouth irritation and digestive upset. Keep it away from pets and people prone to skin reactions, and contact a vet if a pet ingests it.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats moses in the cradle?

Tradescantia is listed by the ASPCA as toxic to cats and dogs. The sap causes oral and gastrointestinal irritation if chewed and contact dermatitis on skin, leading to drooling, mouth irritation and digestive upset. Keep it away from pets and people prone to skin reactions, and contact a vet if a pet ingests it. 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 moses in the cradle.

What should I do if my cat ate moses in the cradle?

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 moses in the cradle toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Moses in the Cradle is toxic to dogs as well. See the full moses in the cradle pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to moses in the cradle?

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 moses in the cradle pet-safety