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Pet safety

Is Moses-in-the-Cradle (Oyster Plant) toxic to cats?

Tradescantia spathacea (syn. Rhoeo spathacea)

Toxic to cats

Yes — moses-in-the-cradle (oyster plant) 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. The ASPCA does not list Tradescantia spathacea (Rhoeo) individually, but the genus is not considered safe: ASPCA lists related Tradescantia fluminensis (Inch Plant) and Tradescantia multiflora as toxic to dogs and cats, with dermatitis as the main sign. Treat it as toxic, since the sap causes skin and mouth irritation and mild GI upset (drooling, vomiting) if chewed. Keep away from pets and verify with your vet if ingested.

What to do if your cat ate moses-in-the-cradle (oyster plant)

  1. Remove any plant material from your cat's mouth and move moses-in-the-cradle (oyster plant) 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 moses-in-the-cradle (oyster plant) to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.

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

Is moses-in-the-cradle (oyster plant) toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is moses-in-the-cradle (oyster plant) toxic to cats?

Yes — moses-in-the-cradle (oyster plant) is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. The ASPCA does not list Tradescantia spathacea (Rhoeo) individually, but the genus is not considered safe: ASPCA lists related Tradescantia fluminensis (Inch Plant) and Tradescantia multiflora as toxic to dogs and cats, with dermatitis as the main sign. Treat it as toxic, since the sap causes skin and mouth irritation and mild GI upset (drooling, vomiting) if chewed. Keep away from pets and verify with your vet if ingested.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats moses-in-the-cradle (oyster plant)?

The ASPCA does not list Tradescantia spathacea (Rhoeo) individually, but the genus is not considered safe: ASPCA lists related Tradescantia fluminensis (Inch Plant) and Tradescantia multiflora as toxic to dogs and cats, with dermatitis as the main sign. Treat it as toxic, since the sap causes skin and mouth irritation and mild GI upset (drooling, vomiting) if chewed. Keep away from pets and verify with your vet if ingested. 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 moses-in-the-cradle (oyster plant).

What should I do if my cat ate moses-in-the-cradle (oyster plant)?

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 moses-in-the-cradle (oyster plant) toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Moses-in-the-Cradle (Oyster Plant) is toxic to dogs as well. See the full moses-in-the-cradle (oyster plant) pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to moses-in-the-cradle (oyster plant)?

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 moses-in-the-cradle (oyster plant) pet-safety

Writing about plant safety? Embed our free pet-toxicity checker on your site — ASPCA-grounded verdicts for 11,000+ plants, no sign-up.