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Pet safety

Is Coleus toxic to cats?

Solenostemon scutellarioides

Toxic to cats

Yes — coleus 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. Listed as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses by the ASPCA (aspca.org). Toxic principle: essential oils. Clinical signs include vomiting, diarrhea, depression, anorexia, and occasionally bloody vomiting or diarrhea. Keep away from pets.

What to do if your cat ate coleus

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

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

Is coleus toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is coleus toxic to cats?

Yes — coleus is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Listed as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses by the ASPCA (aspca.org). Toxic principle: essential oils. Clinical signs include vomiting, diarrhea, depression, anorexia, and occasionally bloody vomiting or diarrhea. Keep away from pets.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats coleus?

Listed as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses by the ASPCA (aspca.org). Toxic principle: essential oils. Clinical signs include vomiting, diarrhea, depression, anorexia, and occasionally bloody vomiting or diarrhea. Keep away from 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 coleus.

What should I do if my cat ate coleus?

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 coleus toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to coleus?

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 coleus pet-safety