Is Pontederia cordata toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists pontederia cordata 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. Pontederia cordata is not individually listed by the ASPCA as toxic or non-toxic. Although all parts are documented as historically edible for humans when cooked, absence from the ASPCA list is not a clearance for pets; treat with caution and verify with a vet before assuming it is pet-safe.

Pontederia cordata is not individually listed by the ASPCA as toxic or non-toxic. Although all parts are documented as historically edible for humans when cooked, absence from the ASPCA list is not a clearance for pets; treat with caution and verify with a vet before 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 pontederia cordata.

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: Pontederia cordata is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full pontederia cordata 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.