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
Polynesian Ivy
Pellionia daveauana
Pellionia daveauana is a low-growing, trailing plant often used in terrariums or as a ground cover for indoor containers. It is considered non-toxic to household pets, though its fibrous nature may cause minor digestive discomfort if consumed in large quantities.
Pellionia daveauanaPolynesian IvyProcris repensTrailing BegoniaTrailing Watermelon Vine
- Light
- Bright indirect light
- Habit
- Trailing or creeping
- 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, ingestion of large amounts of fibrous plant material 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 to rule out secondary digestive issues.
Dogs — concern notes
Common signs
None expected; however, ingestion of large amounts of fibrous plant material 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 to rule out secondary digestive issues.
Bring it home
Polynesian Ivyis generally pet-safe in ordinary household exposure. If you’d like one for your space, here’s a starting point.
Shop on AmazonSome links earn us a small commission. They never affect our safety classifications.
Source evidence
ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants List
veterinary · 99% reliability
Trailing Begonia is listed as non-toxic to both cats and dogs.
Kew Plants of the World Online
botanical · 95% reliability
Accepted botanical name for Pellionia daveauana, now often classified under the genus Procris.
Questions about Polynesian Ivy
Is Polynesian Ivy toxic to cats?
No, Polynesian Ivy (Pellionia daveauana) is considered non-toxic to cats. It is classified as generally safe, meaning exposure is not expected to cause poisoning.
What happens if my cat eats Polynesian Ivy?
No toxic effects are expected, but the plant's fibrous material may cause mild vomiting or diarrhea if your cat eats a large amount. Symptoms should be minor and short-lived.
Should I call the vet if my cat chewed on Polynesian Ivy?
A small nibble is unlikely to require a vet call given the plant's non-toxic classification. If your cat consumed a significant quantity and is showing persistent vomiting, diarrhea, or signs of distress, contact your veterinarian to rule out secondary digestive issues.
Does 'non-toxic' mean Polynesian Ivy is safe for cats to eat freely?
Non-toxic means the plant contains no compounds known to poison cats, but that does not make it suitable as food. Large ingestions of any fibrous plant material can irritate a cat's digestive tract and cause GI upset, so it is still best to discourage chewing.
Is Polynesian Ivy toxic to dogs?
No, Polynesian Ivy (Pellionia daveauana) is non-toxic to dogs. It is considered generally safe for households with dogs, though non-toxic does not mean harmless in large quantities.
What happens if my dog eats Polynesian Ivy?
Ingestion of small amounts is unlikely to cause any reaction. If your dog eats a large quantity of this fibrous plant, mild vomiting or diarrhea may occur due to the plant material itself, not any toxic compound.
How much Polynesian Ivy would make a dog sick?
There are no documented toxic thresholds because the plant contains no known toxins. Digestive upset, if it occurs at all, is related to the volume of fibrous material ingested rather than any poisonous substance.
Should I call the vet if my dog ate Polynesian Ivy?
A small nibble does not warrant an emergency call. If your dog ate a significant amount and is showing signs of distress such as repeated vomiting or diarrhea, contact your veterinarian to rule out secondary digestive issues.
Same safety verdict
Other plants with the same verdict
Nerve Plant
Fittonia albivenis
Nerve Plant is a popular, low-growing tropical houseplant known for its striking, vein-patterned foliage. It is considered non-toxic to pets, though ingestion of large amounts of plant material may cause mild digestive discomfort.
Generally safe for cats & dogs.
Chocolate Soldier
Episcia dianthiflora
Chocolate Soldier is a popular trailing houseplant known for its fuzzy, patterned foliage and delicate, fringed flowers. It is considered safe for households with pets, though ingestion of large amounts of plant material may cause minor digestive discomfort.
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.
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.