Swedish Ivy — (c) Juan Carlos Fonseca Mata, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Juan Carlos Fonseca Mata
Photo by (c) Juan Carlos Fonseca Mata, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Juan Carlos Fonseca MataiNaturalistCC BY
cat safety reference

Is Swedish Ivy safe for cats?

Plectranthus verticillatus

Swedish Ivy is a popular, fast-growing trailing houseplant known for its glossy, scalloped leaves and ease of care. It is considered non-toxic to pets, though ingestion of large amounts of plant material may cause minor digestive upset.

Creeping CharliePlectranthus australisPlectranthus verticillatusSwedish Begonia
Light
Bright indirect light
Habit
Trailing
Care
Low

Safety status

Cats

Generally safe

Consulted 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.

What this means for your cat

Swedish Ivy is safe for cats — ASPCA lists no toxic principle, so a leaf nibble or knocked-over pot is not a poisoning concern.

Sources: ASPCA (no first-aid guidance; non-toxic listing).

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.

Catsconcern notes

Common signs

None typically expected; however, consumption of large quantities may lead to mild vomiting or diarrhea due to the fibrous nature of the plant.

Escalation note

This plant is considered non-toxic. If your cat consumes a significant amount and shows persistent signs of distress, contact your veterinarian.

Bring it home

Swedish Ivyis 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

Open source

Swedish Ivy is listed as non-toxic to both cats and dogs.

NC State Extension Plant Toolbox

botanical · 94% reliability

Open source

Plectranthus verticillatus is a trailing perennial often grown as a houseplant for its attractive foliage.

Cats & dogs pagedogs page

Same cat verdict

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