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Pet safety

Is Painted Nettle toxic to cats?

Plectranthus scutellarioides

Toxic to cats

Yes — painted nettle 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. ASPCA lists Coleus (Plectranthus scutellarioides) as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses due to essential oils (including diterpene constituents). Signs of ingestion include vomiting, diarrhoea, and depression. Keep the plant out of reach of all pets.

What to do if your cat ate painted nettle

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

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

Is painted nettle toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is painted nettle toxic to cats?

Yes — painted nettle is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. ASPCA lists Coleus (Plectranthus scutellarioides) as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses due to essential oils (including diterpene constituents). Signs of ingestion include vomiting, diarrhoea, and depression. Keep the plant out of reach of all pets.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats painted nettle?

ASPCA lists Coleus (Plectranthus scutellarioides) as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses due to essential oils (including diterpene constituents). Signs of ingestion include vomiting, diarrhoea, and depression. Keep the plant out of reach of all 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 painted nettle.

What should I do if my cat ate painted nettle?

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 painted nettle toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Painted Nettle is toxic to dogs as well. See the full painted nettle pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to painted nettle?

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 painted nettle pet-safety