Plants / Chenille / cats

Is Chenille toxic to cats?

Chenille (Acalypha hispida) is toxic to cats (S1 Caution): the ASPCA lists diterpene esters and drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea.

  • TOXINditerpene esters
  • WHAT TO EXPECTDrooling; vomiting; diarrhea
  • CALL THE VETContact your vet if drooling, vomiting, or diarrhea persists or worsens after exposure.
S0S1S2S3S4

Symptoms

SIGN
Drooling
vomiting
diarrhea

If your cat just ate it

S1 PROTOCOL
1
Move Chenille (Acalypha hispida) out of your cat's reach. Watch for drooling, vomiting, or diarrhea. Contact your vet if signs persist or worsen.
2
When to call the vet: Contact your vet if drooling, vomiting, or diarrhea persists or worsens after exposure.
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Care at a glance

Lightdirect
Waterevery 5–9 days
Humidityhigh
Difficulty●●○

FAQ

Is Chenille toxic to cats?

Yes. Chenille (Acalypha hispida) is S1 Caution. The ASPCA's Foxtail entry lists "Toxic to Dogs, Toxic to Cats, Toxic to Horses" and gives "Drooling, vomiting, diarrhea" as Clinical Signs. Move the plant out of reach and contact your vet if signs persist or worsen.

What toxic principle does the ASPCA record for Chenille in this cat verdict?

The Foxtail entry names "Diterpene esters" as the toxic principle for "Acalypha hispida". It lists "Drooling, vomiting, diarrhea" as Clinical Signs.

Which plant does this Chenille verdict cover?

Acalypha hispida. The ASPCA's Foxtail entry gives that scientific name and lists "chenille" among its additional common names. This page follows that species-level record; plants with other scientific names are not covered or graded here. Check the scientific name on the tag.

Is Chenille toxic to dogs?

Yes. Chenille (Acalypha hispida) is S1 Caution. The ASPCA's Foxtail entry lists "Toxic to Dogs, Toxic to Cats, Toxic to Horses" and gives "Drooling, vomiting, diarrhea" as Clinical Signs. Move the plant out of reach and contact your vet if signs persist or worsen.

CITE THIS PAGE

Verdapaw Plant × Pet Safety Index, verdapaw.com/plants/chenille, reviewed 2026-10-26