Is Tradescantia (spiderwort) Toxic to Cats?

Tradescantia species

Tradescantia sap contains compounds that cause contact dermatitis in people and animals. Because cats groom, sap on the coat ends up in the mouth, causing drooling and mouth irritation.

It is a fast-growing trailing houseplant sold everywhere, often in hanging pots where the trailing stems are at cat height.

Which parts are dangerous

• sap
• leaves
• stems

What to watch for in the UK

• Trailing houseplant in hanging pots and on shelves.
• Cuttings root in water and are just as irritant.
• Wear gloves when taking cuttings.
• Rinse sap off the coat rather than letting the cat groom it.

If your cat has already chewed it

1. Rinse the mouth and wipe the coat.
2. Phone your vet if the cat is drooling persistently or the skin is broken.
3. Watch for vomiting.

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).