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
African Violet
Saintpaulia spp.
Also known as Saintpaulia ionantha
African Violets are popular, low-growing flowering houseplants known for their fuzzy leaves and vibrant blooms. They are considered non-toxic to both cats and dogs.
African VioletKenya VioletSaintpauliaSaintpaulia confusaSaintpaulia ionanthaSaintpaulia spp.
- Light
- Bright indirect light
- Habit
- Rosette-forming
- 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 from typical contact; however, ingestion of large amounts of fibrous plant material may cause mild gastrointestinal upset such as vomiting or diarrhea.
Escalation note
This plant is considered non-toxic. If your cat consumes a significant amount and shows persistent signs of distress, contact your veterinarian.
Dogs — concern notes
Common signs
None expected from typical contact; however, ingestion of large amounts of fibrous plant material may cause mild gastrointestinal upset such as vomiting or diarrhea.
Escalation note
This plant is considered non-toxic. If your dog consumes a significant amount and shows persistent signs of distress, contact your veterinarian.
Bring it home
African Violetis 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
Non-toxic to dogs and cats.
Plants of the World Online (Kew)
botanical · 95% reliability
Accepted botanical record for the genus Saintpaulia.
Same safety verdict
Other plants with the same verdict
Aregelia
Neoregelia spp.
Neoregelia are popular bromeliads known for their vibrant, colorful foliage and water-holding central cups. They are generally considered safe for households with pets, though their fibrous leaves may cause minor digestive irritation if consumed in large quantities.
Generally safe for cats & dogs.
Cape Primrose
Streptocarpus spp.
Cape Primrose is a popular flowering houseplant known for its trumpet-shaped blooms and fuzzy, textured foliage. It is considered non-toxic to pets, making it a safe choice for households with cats and dogs.
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.
Spider Plant
Chlorophytum comosum
The spider plant is a popular, easy-to-care-for houseplant known for its arching, grass-like foliage and trailing plantlets. It is widely considered safe for households with pets, though large ingestions of fibrous material may occasionally cause mild digestive upset.
Generally safe for cats & dogs.
Same growing conditions
Plants for the same room
Baby Tears
Soleirolia soleirolii
Baby Tears is a delicate, creeping groundcover often grown in terrariums or as a houseplant for its dense, moss-like appearance. It is considered non-toxic to pets, though ingestion of large amounts of plant material may cause minor digestive upset.
Generally safe for cats & dogs.
Brazilian Orchid
Sophronitis spp.
Sophronitis is a genus of small, epiphytic orchids native to Brazil, known for their vibrant, often red or orange, flowers. They are generally considered safe for household pets, though individual plant parts can cause minor digestive irritation if consumed in large quantities.
Uncertain for cats.
Generally safe for 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.
Flame Violet
Episcia reptans
Flame Violet is a popular trailing houseplant known for its vibrant, textured foliage and tubular flowers. It is considered non-toxic to both cats and dogs, making it a safe choice for pet-friendly households.
Generally safe for cats & dogs.