Is African Violet Safe for Cats and Dogs?

African violet (Saintpaulia spp.) is non-toxic to both cats and dogs.

Why

African violets (Saintpaulia) are listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs. They are a good flowering alternative to toxic plants such as kalanchoe or cyclamen.

Their soft, fuzzy leaves are rarely eaten in large amounts.

How to recognize it

African violet is a low, compact plant with soft, fuzzy, rounded leaves and clusters of small purple, pink, blue or white flowers with yellow centers. Cyclamen, which is toxic, has smooth heart-shaped leaves and upswept petals instead.

What to do

• Make sure any fertilizer or systemic insecticide used on the plant is pet-safe.
• Eating a lot of any plant can cause mild stomach upset.

Which flowering houseplants are confused with African violets?

African violets are often sold next to other compact flowering plants, and the gift section is where mix-ups happen. Kalanchoe and cyclamen are both listed as toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA.

Kalanchoe is a succulent with thick, smooth, scalloped leaves and tight clusters of small flowers. It contains compounds that can affect the heart. Cyclamen has smooth, heart-shaped leaves, often marbled with silver, and flowers with petals swept backward. Its underground tuber is the most toxic part.

An African violet's leaves are fuzzy to the touch. That texture is the quickest way to tell them apart. If a pet has chewed a flowering plant and you are not sure which one it was, bring the pot or a photo of it when you call the vet.

Are the African violet's relatives safe as well?

African violets belong to the gesneriad family. Gloxinia (Sinningia speciosa), a larger relative with velvety leaves and bell-shaped flowers, is also listed as non-toxic by the ASPCA.

The word "violet" alone doesn't settle anything, because many unrelated plants use it in their common names. Check the botanical name Saintpaulia (sometimes now listed under Streptocarpus) on the label.

What should you watch for with violets and pets?

Growers often set African violets in self-watering pots or on wicks that sit in a reservoir. That reservoir usually contains diluted fertilizer, and cats in particular like to drink from unusual water sources. Keep the reservoir covered or out of reach.

• Systemic insecticides sold for houseplants are mixed into the soil and taken up by the plant. If you use one, keep the pot where pets can't reach it.
• Violets have shallow roots and light pots, so a cat can knock one off a windowsill easily.
• Eating the leaves may cause mild vomiting. That is not poisoning, but call a vet if it continues.

Toxic plants to tell apart from it

These look similar or are often sold alongside it. Check the label before buying.

• ToxicCyclamen

Common questions

Is African violet safe for pets?

Cats: Non-toxic. Dogs: Non-toxic. Yes. African violets are non-toxic to cats and dogs.

Is it safe to keep African violet in a home with cats and dogs?

Yes. It is listed as non-toxic to both cats and dogs. Make sure any fertilizer or systemic insecticide used on the plant is pet-safe.

What should I do if my pet chews African violet?

There is usually no emergency, because African violet is listed as non-toxic. Eating a lot of any plant can still cause mild stomach upset, so call a vet if vomiting continues.

Which toxic plants look like African violet?

Watch out for cyclamen: they look similar or are often sold alongside it. Check the botanical name on the label before buying.

← All plants

Sources

• ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List (dogs, cats).
• Merck Veterinary Manual. Toxicology section.

If your pet has eaten a toxic plant, contact your veterinarian or an emergency animal hospital right away and bring a photo or piece of the plant. In the US you can also call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 or the Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661 (fees may apply).