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.
Sources
Pet safety reference
Canterbury-bell
Gloxinia perennis
Canterbury-bell is a flowering perennial known for its bell-shaped blooms and is considered safe for households with pets. While non-toxic, ingestion of large amounts of plant material may cause minor digestive discomfort due to its fibrous nature.
Canterbury-bellGloxinia perennis
- Light
- Bright indirect light
- Habit
- Clumping perennial
- Care
- Moderate
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; however, consumption of large quantities may lead to mild vomiting or diarrhea due to physical irritation from plant fibers.
Escalation note
This plant is considered non-toxic. If your cat consumes a significant amount and shows signs of distress, contact your veterinarian for guidance.
Dogs — concern notes
Common signs
None expected; however, consumption of large quantities may lead to mild vomiting or diarrhea due to physical irritation from plant fibers.
Escalation note
This plant is considered non-toxic. If your dog consumes a significant amount and shows signs of distress, contact your veterinarian for guidance.
Bring it home
Canterbury-bellis 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 Plant List
toxicology · 99% reliability
Canterbury-bell is listed as non-toxic to both cats and dogs.
Kew Plants of the World Online
botanical · 95% reliability
Accepted botanical classification for Gloxinia perennis.
Questions about Canterbury-bell
Is Canterbury-bell toxic to cats?
Canterbury-bell (Gloxinia perennis) is considered non-toxic to cats. It is classified as generally safe, meaning it poses no known poisoning risk even if your cat nibbles on the leaves or flowers.
What happens if my cat eats Canterbury-bell?
Symptoms are not expected from small amounts. If your cat consumes a large quantity of plant material, the fibrous matter may cause mild vomiting or diarrhea due to physical irritation of the digestive tract, not chemical toxicity.
What should I do if my cat ate a lot of Canterbury-bell?
Monitor your cat for signs of digestive upset such as vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy. For small amounts, no action is typically needed; if your cat ate a significant portion and seems distressed, contact your veterinarian for guidance.
Does 'non-toxic' mean Canterbury-bell is safe for cats to eat freely?
Non-toxic means Canterbury-bell contains no known compounds that poison cats, but that does not mean it is beneficial or harmless in large quantities. Eating substantial amounts of any plant material can cause GI upset from fiber and plant matter alone, so it is still best to discourage grazing.
Is Canterbury-bell toxic to dogs?
Canterbury-bell (Gloxinia perennis) is considered non-toxic to dogs. It is classified as generally safe for households with canine pets.
What happens if a dog eats Canterbury-bell?
Most dogs will have no reaction at all. If your dog eats a large amount, the fibrous plant material may cause mild vomiting or diarrhea due to physical irritation in the digestive tract — not from any toxic compound.
How much Canterbury-bell would make a dog sick?
Small nibbles are unlikely to cause any problem. Symptoms like vomiting or loose stool are only expected if a dog consumes a significant quantity of the plant, and even then the reaction is mild and due to fiber bulk rather than toxicity.
What should I do if my dog ate a large amount of Canterbury-bell?
Since Canterbury-bell is non-toxic, no emergency treatment is needed. Monitor your dog for mild GI signs such as vomiting or diarrhea; these should resolve on their own. If symptoms are persistent or your dog seems distressed, contact your veterinarian for guidance.
Same safety verdict
Other plants with the same verdict
Peruvian Lily
Alstroemeria aurea
Peruvian Lily is a popular flowering plant known for its vibrant, orchid-like blooms and long-lasting cut flowers. While generally considered safe for pets, it is not a food source and may cause minor digestive discomfort if consumed in large quantities.
Generally safe for cats & dogs.
Queensland Arrowroot
Canna edulis
Queensland Arrowroot is a tropical perennial known for its large, lush foliage and edible rhizomes. It is considered safe for pets, though its fibrous nature may cause minor digestive discomfort if consumed in large quantities.
Generally safe for cats & dogs.
Salad Burnet
Poterium sanguisorba
Salad Burnet is a perennial herb known for its cucumber-flavored leaves often used in culinary applications. It is considered safe for household pets, though large ingestions of fibrous plant material may occasionally cause minor digestive upset.
Generally safe for cats & dogs.
Cosmos
Cosmos bipinnatus
Garden cosmos is a daisy-like annual usually treated as a pet-safe flowering option, though any large plant ingestion can still cause mild stomach upset.
Generally safe for cats & dogs.
Same growing conditions
