Is Pansy and Viola Safe for Cats?

Viola species

Viola and pansy species are listed as non-toxic to cats. They are the standard UK winter bedding, so they sit in pots and borders all through the colder months.

The flowers are edible for people, and a cat that nibbles one is not at risk.

What to watch for in the UK

• Winter and spring bedding in pots, window boxes and borders.
• Flowers through mild winters, when other plants are dormant.
• Bedding compost may contain slow-release fertiliser — see that warning.
• Deadhead for more flowers.

If your cat has already chewed it

1. Nothing to do.
2. If the cat ate fertiliser pellets from the pot, phone your vet.

Take a photo of the plant, and a cutting if you can do it safely — identification is half of the vet's decision. Out of hours, use your practice's emergency number. This page explains risk; it cannot diagnose your cat and it contains no home treatments.

If your cat has vomited after eating a plant, see the cat vomiting guide and, if there is blood, vomiting blood. For a general red-flag checklist, use sick cat symptoms. If the worry is food rather than a plant, the can cats eat guide covers 36 everyday foods.

Related plants

Browse the full UK plant checklist (72 plants).