Cats & Dogs
Generally safeConsulted references do not classify the plant as toxic for that pet type, while still allowing for mild GI upset if large amounts are chewed.
Verified against ASPCA/provenance audit 2026-05-06 on May 6, 2026.
Pet safety reference
Purple Baby Tears
Frithia pulchra
Purple Baby Tears is a small, succulent plant native to South Africa, prized for its unique windowed leaves and vibrant purple flowers. It is considered safe for households with pets, though ingestion of any plant material can occasionally cause minor digestive discomfort.
Fairy Elephant's FeetFrithia pulchra
- Light
- Bright direct light
- Habit
- Clumping succulent
- Care
- Low
Safety status
If a pet has chewed or swallowed plant material and is showing symptoms, contact a veterinarian or poison resource immediately. This product is for structured reference, not diagnosis.
Cats — concern notes
Common signs
None expected, though large ingestions of fibrous plant matter may cause mild vomiting or diarrhea.
Escalation note
This plant is non-toxic. If your cat consumes a significant amount and shows signs of distress, contact your veterinarian as a precaution.
Dogs — concern notes
Common signs
None expected, though large ingestions of fibrous plant matter may cause mild vomiting or diarrhea.
Escalation note
This plant is non-toxic. If your dog consumes a significant amount and shows signs of distress, contact your veterinarian as a precaution.
Bring it home
Purple Baby Tearsis generally pet-safe in ordinary household exposure. If you’d like one for your space, here’s a starting point.
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Source evidence
ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants List
toxicology · 99% reliability
Purple Baby Tears is listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs.
Kew Plants of the World Online: Frithia pulchra
botanical · 95% reliability
Accepted botanical name and distribution data for Frithia pulchra.
Questions about Purple Baby Tears
Is Purple Baby Tears toxic to cats?
No, Purple Baby Tears (Frithia pulchra) is considered non-toxic to cats. It is a generally safe succulent, meaning exposure is unlikely to cause serious harm.
What happens if my cat eats Purple Baby Tears?
Symptoms are not expected, though large ingestions of fibrous succulent plant matter can occasionally cause mild vomiting or diarrhea. Most cats who nibble on this plant will show no signs of distress at all.
What should I do if my cat ate a large amount of Purple Baby Tears?
Monitor your cat for signs of GI upset such as vomiting or diarrhea. Non-toxic does not mean safe to eat in quantity — if your cat consumed a significant amount and seems distressed, contact your veterinarian as a precaution.
What kind of plant is Purple Baby Tears, and why is it considered safe?
Purple Baby Tears (Frithia pulchra) is a small South African succulent known for its windowed leaves and purple flowers. It contains no documented toxic principles, which is why it is classified as generally safe for cats — though all plants can cause minor digestive upset if eaten in large amounts.
Is Purple Baby Tears toxic to dogs?
No, Purple Baby Tears (Frithia pulchra) is considered non-toxic to dogs. It is classified as generally safe, meaning it does not contain compounds known to cause poisoning.
What happens if my dog eats Purple Baby Tears?
Symptoms are not expected, but large ingestions of fibrous plant matter may cause mild vomiting or diarrhea. Most dogs that nibble on this succulent will show no ill effects at all.
What should I do if my dog ate a Purple Baby Tears plant?
Because this plant is non-toxic, a small nibble does not require emergency action. If your dog consumed a significant amount and is showing signs of digestive distress like repeated vomiting or diarrhea, contact your veterinarian as a precaution.
Can Purple Baby Tears cause stomach upset in dogs?
Only in the case of large ingestions — the fibrous succulent material may irritate your dog's digestive tract and cause mild vomiting or diarrhea. A small bite is unlikely to cause any reaction.
Same safety verdict
Other plants with the same verdict
Dinteranthus
Dinteranthus vanzylii
Dinteranthus is a small, stone-like succulent native to South Africa, prized for its unique pebble-like appearance and drought tolerance. It is considered safe for households with pets, though its fibrous texture may cause minor digestive discomfort if consumed in large quantities.
Generally safe for cats & dogs.
Easter Lily Cactus
Echinopsis multiplex
The Easter Lily Cactus is a popular, low-maintenance succulent known for its large, fragrant, trumpet-shaped flowers. While generally considered safe for pets, it is a cactus and should be kept out of reach to avoid injury from its spines.
Generally safe for cats & dogs.
Living Rock Cactus
Pleiospilos bolusii
The Living Rock Cactus is a unique succulent that mimics the appearance of stones to blend into its natural environment. It is considered non-toxic to pets, though its fibrous texture may cause minor digestive discomfort if consumed in large quantities.
Generally safe for cats & dogs.
Thimble Cactus
Mammillaria fragilis
The Thimble Cactus is a small, clumping succulent known for its delicate, finger-like stems covered in soft spines. It is generally considered safe for pets, though its physical structure may cause minor irritation if ingested.
Generally safe for cats & dogs.