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Pet safety

Is Swedish Ivy toxic to cats?

Plectranthus verticillatus

Non-toxic to cats

No — swedish ivy is listed by the ASPCA as non-toxic to cats. It is a sensible choice for a home with a cat; a curious nibble will not poison them, though no plant is meant to be eaten. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List. The ASPCA lists Swedish Ivy (Plectranthus australis, syn. P. verticillatus; family Lamiaceae) as non-toxic to cats, dogs and horses, with no identified toxic principle. Despite the common name, it is a member of the mint family, not a true ivy, so it does not carry the toxins of English or other true ivies. As with any plant, nibbling can still cause mild stomach upset in some pets.

Is swedish ivy toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is swedish ivy toxic to cats?

No — swedish ivy is listed by the ASPCA as non-toxic to cats. It is a sensible choice for a home with a cat; a curious nibble will not poison them, though no plant is meant to be eaten. The ASPCA lists Swedish Ivy (Plectranthus australis, syn. P. verticillatus; family Lamiaceae) as non-toxic to cats, dogs and horses, with no identified toxic principle. Despite the common name, it is a member of the mint family, not a true ivy, so it does not carry the toxins of English or other true ivies. As with any plant, nibbling can still cause mild stomach upset in some pets.

Is swedish ivy safe for cats?

Yes — the ASPCA lists swedish ivy as non-toxic to cats and dogs. A cat that chews a large amount of any foliage can still get a mild, brief stomach upset, so discourage grazing, but it will not be poisoned.

Is swedish ivy toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Swedish Ivy is non-toxic to dogs as well. See the full swedish ivy pet-safety guide for both species.

What other plants are safe for cats?

Reliable ASPCA non-toxic picks for a cat home include spider plant, calathea, parlor palm, peperomia, and most true ferns. Browse the best cats-safe plants list to check more before you buy.

Full swedish ivy pet-safety