Is Purple Heart toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists purple heart 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. The ASPCA lists the Tradescantia genus (under "Inch Plant," Tradescantia fluminensis) as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses, with dermatitis as the reported clinical sign; Tradescantia pallida is not listed individually by name. Its sap can irritate skin and the mouth/digestive tract, so keep it away from pets and wash hands after handling.

The ASPCA lists the Tradescantia genus (under "Inch Plant," Tradescantia fluminensis) as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses, with dermatitis as the reported clinical sign; Tradescantia pallida is not listed individually by name. Its sap can irritate skin and the mouth/digestive tract, so keep it away from pets and wash hands after handling. 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 purple heart.

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: Purple Heart is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full purple heart 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.