Is purple heart toxic to cats and dogs?
Quick answer
Toxic to cats and dogs. Purple heart contains unknown irritant.
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Purple heart Tradescantia pallida
NC State Extension rates purple heart’s poison severity as low: chewing irritates the mouth and stomach, and contact with the sap or leaves can redden a pet’s skin.
What to do if your pet ate it
If you think your cat or dog ate any part of a purple heart, act quickly. Do not wait for symptoms to appear.
- Remove the plant from the pet’s reach.
- Call your vet or an emergency animal clinic immediately.
- When you call, have the plant’s name or a photo ready. Tell the vet roughly how much your pet ate and when.
Do not induce vomiting unless a vet specifically instructs you to. It can make some poisonings worse.
Symptoms
In cats and dogs, eating it can cause:
- Mouth irritation
- Stomach irritation
- Skin redness and irritation (after contact with the sap or leaves)
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The ASPCA has no record for this species. NC State Extension lists Tradescantia pallida as irritating to the mouth, stomach and skin of pets. NC State Extension Plant Toolbox
All purple heart guides
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