Is Coleus toxic to cats?
Coleus (Coleus ampoinicus, as listed by the ASPCA) is toxic to cats (S2 Irritant): its essential oils are associated with vomiting, diarrhea, depression, anorexia, and occasionally bloody diarrhea or vomiting.
- TOXINEssential Oils
- WHAT TO EXPECTvomiting; diarrhea; depression
- CALL THE VETContact your vet if vomiting, diarrhea, depression, or anorexia persists or worsens after ingestion, or if bloody diarrhea or vomiting occurs.
Symptoms
| SIGN |
|---|
| vomiting |
| diarrhea |
| depression |
| anorexia |
| occasionally bloody diarrhea or vomiting |
If your cat just ate it
Same tabletop look, minus the risk
3 tabletop plants graded S0 — non-toxic on record.
Care at a glance
FAQ
Is coleus toxic to cats?
Yes, for Coleus ampoinicus as listed by the ASPCA: S2 Irritant. The ASPCA names "Essential Oils" and lists "Vomiting, diarrhea, depression, anorexia, occasionally bloody diarrhea or vomiting". Keep the plant out of your cat's reach and contact your vet if signs persist or worsen, or if bloody diarrhea or vomiting occurs.
Which coleus does the ASPCA list for cats and dogs?
The ASPCA pairs Coleus, Bread and Butter Plant, Indian Borage, and Spanish Thyme with the scientific name "Coleus ampoinicus", and its toxicity line names both cats and dogs. This page's verdict covers that source-listed plant. If a label names a different plant and neither the ASPCA nor Pet Poison Helpline has an entry for it, we do not grade it. Check the scientific name on the label before applying this verdict.
Is Prostrate Coleus the same plant for cat and dog safety?
No. The ASPCA pairs Prostrate Coleus with Plectranthus oetendahlii, rather than the Coleus ampoinicus listed for Coleus. Its separate entry reads "Non-Toxic to Dogs, Non-Toxic to Cats, Non-Toxic to Horses". That statement covers the source-listed Plectranthus oetendahlii. It is outside this page's verdict, and we do not grade it here. Check the scientific name on the label.
Is Spanish Thyme the same plant as the thyme page for cats and dogs?
No. In the ASPCA's Spanish Thyme entry, the scientific name is Coleus ampoinicus. Our thyme record covers Thymus vulgaris, whose ASPCA entry reads "Non-Toxic to Dogs, Non-Toxic to Cats, Non-Toxic to Horses". The word thyme in a common name does not make these the same plant. See our thyme verdict for the Thymus vulgaris record.