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
Impatiens
Impatiens spp.
Impatiens are popular, colorful flowering plants often used in shaded garden beds and containers. They are considered non-toxic to pets, though ingestion of large amounts of plant material may cause minor digestive upset.
Busy LizzieBuzzy LizzieImpatiensImpatiens spp.
- Light
- Partial shade to full shade
- Habit
- Mounded or trailing
- 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, though large ingestions of fibrous plant matter may cause mild vomiting or diarrhea.
Escalation note
Generally considered safe. If your cat consumes a significant amount and shows signs of distress, contact your veterinarian.
Dogs — concern notes
Common signs
None expected, though large ingestions of fibrous plant matter may cause mild vomiting or diarrhea.
Escalation note
Generally considered safe. If your dog consumes a significant amount and shows signs of distress, contact your veterinarian.
Bring it home
Impatiensis 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
Impatiens are listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs.
NC State Extension Plant Toolbox
botanical · 94% reliability
Impatiens walleriana is a popular shade-loving annual known for its prolific blooming habit.
Questions about Impatiens
Are impatiens toxic to cats?
No, impatiens (Impatiens spp.) are considered non-toxic to cats. They are classified as generally safe, meaning exposure is not expected to cause poisoning or serious harm.
What happens if my cat eats impatiens?
Most cats will have no reaction at all. If your cat eats a large amount of the fibrous plant material, mild vomiting or diarrhea is possible due to simple digestive upset, not toxicity.
How much impatiens would make a cat sick?
Small nibbles are very unlikely to cause any symptoms. Digestive upset, if it occurs at all, is associated with consuming a significant quantity of plant matter — the issue is bulk, not a toxic compound.
Should I call the vet if my cat ate impatiens?
A small amount warrants only monitoring. If your cat ate a large quantity and is showing signs of distress such as repeated vomiting or lethargy, contact your veterinarian to be safe.
Are impatiens toxic to dogs?
No, impatiens (Impatiens spp.) are considered non-toxic to dogs. They are classified as generally safe, meaning exposure is unlikely to cause serious harm.
What happens if my dog eats impatiens?
Most dogs will experience no symptoms at all. If your dog eats a large amount of the fibrous plant material, mild vomiting or diarrhea is possible due to the bulk of vegetation, not any toxic compound.
Do I need to call the vet if my dog ate impatiens from the garden?
A small nibble does not warrant an emergency call. If your dog ate a significant quantity and is showing signs of persistent vomiting, diarrhea, or distress, contact your veterinarian to be safe.
Are all parts of impatiens safe for dogs?
The plant is broadly considered non-toxic, and no specific part — flower, stem, or leaf — is known to be dangerous. That said, non-toxic does not mean safe to eat in quantity; large ingestions of any plant matter can cause GI upset in dogs.
Same safety verdict
Other plants with the same verdict
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.
Calathea
Calathea spp.
Calathea are popular tropical houseplants known for their striking, patterned foliage and rhythmic leaf movement. They are considered safe for households with pets, though ingestion of large amounts of fibrous plant material may cause minor digestive discomfort.
Generally safe for cats & dogs.
Dwarf Date Palm
Phoenix acaulis
The Dwarf Date Palm is a slow-growing, stemless palm species native to the grasslands of India. It is widely appreciated for its compact, architectural foliage that mimics the appearance of larger date palms in a miniature form.
Generally safe for cats & dogs.
Hanging Lobster Claw
Heliconia rostrata
Heliconia rostrata is a tropical perennial known for its dramatic, pendulous inflorescences. While generally considered non-toxic to pets, ingestion of any plant material can cause gastrointestinal upset.
Generally safe for cats & dogs.