Is Petrocosmea nervosa toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists petrocosmea nervosa 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. Petrocosmea is not individually listed in the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants database, so its toxicity is unconfirmed. It sits within Gesneriaceae, a family whose ASPCA-listed members (African violet, Episcia/flame violet) are classed non-toxic to cats and dogs, with no known toxic principle. Treat with caution and verify with a vet rather than assuming it is pet-safe.

Petrocosmea is not individually listed in the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants database, so its toxicity is unconfirmed. It sits within Gesneriaceae, a family whose ASPCA-listed members (African violet, Episcia/flame violet) are classed non-toxic to cats and dogs, with no known toxic principle. Treat with caution and verify with a vet rather than assuming it is pet-safe. 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 petrocosmea nervosa.

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.

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Petrocosmea nervosa is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full petrocosmea nervosa pet-safety guide for both species.

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.