Chenille Plant

Yes, the chenille plant (Acalypha hispida) is potentially toxic to cats. Ingestion of the plant material can cause oral irritation, excessive drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing.

Expect drooling, vomiting (sometimes with shredded leaf material), and diarrhea. Some cats will paw at their mouth or refuse food for several hours after chewing the plant. General gastric irritation is also noted by the ASPCA.

Remove your cat's access to the plant and monitor closely. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 if vomiting or diarrhea repeats more than once or twice, if your cat stops eating or drinking, or if drooling persists past a couple of hours.

Drooling and gastrointestinal signs typically begin within an hour of chewing and usually resolve within 12–24 hours with supportive care, though the ASPCA does not publish a specific recovery window.

Yes, the chenille plant (Acalypha hispida) is considered potentially toxic to dogs. Ingestion can cause gastrointestinal upset including vomiting, diarrhea, and irritation of the mouth and throat, though the effects are generally mild.

Watch for drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea after your dog chews the leaves or flower spikes. GI signs typically begin within an hour or two of ingestion. Small or sensitive dogs may be more affected than large dogs, and prolonged appetite loss or repeated vomiting are signs the situation needs veterinary attention.

Monitor your dog closely for vomiting, diarrhea, and drooling. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 if vomiting or diarrhea continues beyond two episodes, if your dog appears weak or lethargic, or if a large amount was eaten. Most mild cases resolve within 24 hours with supportive care.

Both the leaves and the distinctive long, fuzzy red flower spikes can cause irritation and GI upset if chewed or ingested. The ASPCA does not specify a toxic dose threshold, so any ingestion warrants monitoring, especially in small dogs.