Copperleaf

Yes, copperleaf (Acalypha godseffiana) is considered potentially toxic to cats. Compounds in the plant can cause oral irritation, excessive drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing if ingested.

The most common signs are drooling, lip-smacking, vomiting, and diarrhea. Some cats also paw at their mouth or skip meals. Symptoms typically begin within an hour of chewing the plant and most uncomplicated cases resolve within 24–48 hours.

Remove your cat from the plant and rinse their mouth with water if possible. Monitor closely for drooling, vomiting, or pawing at the mouth. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 if vomiting or drooling persists more than a few hours, your cat refuses to eat, or symptoms are worsening — repeated vomiting can dehydrate a cat quickly.

The data does not specify which part of the plant is most concentrated with irritants, so any part of the copperleaf — leaves, stems, or sap — should be treated as a potential hazard. Contact with or ingestion of any portion can trigger oral irritation and gastrointestinal distress.

Yes, Copperleaf (Acalypha godseffiana) is considered potentially toxic to dogs. It contains irritating compounds that can cause vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and irritation of the mouth and throat if ingested.

The most common signs are drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea, often beginning within an hour of chewing the plant. Some dogs paw at their mouth or skip a meal; lethargy is usually mild. Symptoms typically resolve within 24–48 hours with supportive care.

Remove your dog from the plant and rinse their mouth with water if they are drooling heavily. Monitor closely for vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 if vomiting or diarrhea persists more than a few hours, your dog won't drink, or symptoms worsen — larger dogs that chewed a significant amount warrant earlier review.

The timeline is not well documented in published sources, but GI upset from irritating plant compounds like those in Copperleaf typically begins within an hour of ingestion and resolves in 24–48 hours with supportive care. If your dog is still symptomatic after that window, contact your veterinarian.