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Is White Shrimp Plant toxic to cats?

Justicia betonica

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists white shrimp plant 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. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List. Justicia betonica is not individually listed in the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant Database. While other Justicia species (J. brandegeeana, J. carnea) are considered non-toxic, specific toxicological data for this species is absent; it is classified here as mildly-toxic as a precaution. Consult a veterinarian if ingestion is suspected.

What to do if your cat ate white shrimp plant

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

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

Is white shrimp plant toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is white shrimp plant toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists white shrimp plant 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. Justicia betonica is not individually listed in the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant Database. While other Justicia species (J. brandegeeana, J. carnea) are considered non-toxic, specific toxicological data for this species is absent; it is classified here as mildly-toxic as a precaution. Consult a veterinarian if ingestion is suspected.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats white shrimp plant?

Justicia betonica is not individually listed in the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant Database. While other Justicia species (J. brandegeeana, J. carnea) are considered non-toxic, specific toxicological data for this species is absent; it is classified here as mildly-toxic as a precaution. Consult a veterinarian if ingestion is suspected. 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 white shrimp plant.

What should I do if my cat ate white shrimp 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 white shrimp plant toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: White Shrimp Plant is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full white shrimp plant pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to white shrimp 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 white shrimp plant pet-safety