Cats
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
cat safety reference
Is Baby Tears safe for cats?
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.
Helxine soleiroliiMind-Your-Own-BusinessPaddys WigSoleirolia soleirolii
- Light
- Bright indirect light
- Habit
- Creeping
- Care
- Moderate
Safety status
What this means for your cat
Casually safe for cats — ASPCA lists Soleirolia soleirolii (Paddy's Wig / Baby Tears) with no toxic principle. Cats often shred the delicate trailing stems for fun, and a few mouthfuls aren't expected to cause more than fleeting GI upset.
Sources: ASPCA.
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 the fibrous nature of the plant.
Escalation note
This plant is non-toxic. If your cat consumes a significant amount and shows persistent gastrointestinal distress, contact your veterinarian.
Bring it home
Baby Tearsis 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
Paddy's Wig is listed as non-toxic to both cats and dogs.
NC State Extension Plant Toolbox
botanical · 94% reliability
Soleirolia soleirolii is a low-growing, mat-forming perennial often used as a houseplant or groundcover.
Questions about Baby Tears
Is Baby Tears toxic to cats?
Baby Tears (Soleirolia soleirolii) is non-toxic to cats. It is considered generally safe, and no toxic principles are documented for this plant.
What happens if my cat eats Baby Tears?
Ingesting small amounts of Baby Tears is unlikely to cause any problems. Eating a large quantity of the fibrous plant material may cause mild vomiting or diarrhea, but serious illness is not expected.
Should I call my vet if my cat ate a lot of Baby Tears?
If your cat consumed a significant amount and shows persistent vomiting or diarrhea that doesn't resolve on its own, contact your veterinarian. A one-off bout of mild GI upset after eating a houseplant is common and usually resolves without treatment.
Does non-toxic mean Baby Tears is safe for cats to eat in large quantities?
Non-toxic means the plant contains no compounds known to poison cats, but that does not make it a safe food. Large amounts of any fibrous plant material can irritate your cat's digestive tract and cause GI upset, so it's best to discourage nibbling.
Same cat verdict
Related plants for cats
Club Moss
Selaginella kraussiana
Club Moss is a low-growing, fern-like plant often used in terrariums and as a ground cover. It is considered non-toxic to pets, though its fibrous nature may cause minor digestive upset if consumed in large quantities.
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.
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.
African Violet
Saintpaulia spp.
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.
Generally safe for cats & dogs.