Is Swedish ivy toxic to cats?
Swedish ivy (Plectranthus australis) is non-toxic to cats (S0 Safe): the ASPCA lists this species as non-toxic to cats, dogs, and horses.
- TOXINnone — no toxic principles on record
- WHAT TO EXPECTno symptoms on record
- CALL THE VETSee a vet if unusual or persistent symptoms follow ingestion.
Nothing to do — really
Care at a glance
FAQ
Is Swedish ivy safe for cats?
Yes, for Plectranthus australis: S0 Safe. The ASPCA's Swedish Ivy and White Edged Swedish Ivy entries each read "Non-Toxic to Dogs, Non-Toxic to Cats, Non-Toxic to Horses". Neither entry lists Toxic Principles or Clinical Signs fields. Contact your vet if unusual or persistent symptoms follow ingestion.
Is Swedish ivy the same as English ivy for cat safety?
No. Swedish ivy on this page is Plectranthus australis and is S0 Safe for cats. English ivy is Hedera helix and is S1 Caution for cats. These are different plants; the shared word ivy does not put them in the same verdict. See the English ivy cat verdict.
Does this Swedish ivy verdict cover the whole Plectranthus genus?
No. The ASPCA's Swedish Ivy and White Edged Swedish Ivy entries both name "Plectranthus australis", so this S0 Safe verdict covers that species, including the plant in the White Edged Swedish Ivy entry. It does not extend to the whole Plectranthus genus. Check the full scientific name on the tag before applying this verdict.
Are Creeping Charlie and Creeping Pilea the same plant as this Swedish ivy?
No. The ASPCA's Creeping Charlie and Creeping Pilea entries both name a different plant, "Pilea nummulariifolia", and each read "Non-Toxic to Dogs, Non-Toxic to Cats, Non-Toxic to Horses". That plant is outside this page's verdict, and we do not grade it here. A tag that says Creeping Charlie does not tell you the plant is Plectranthus australis; check the scientific name.
Does this Swedish ivy verdict include purple Swedish ivy (Plectranthus purpuratus)?
No. This S0 Safe verdict covers Plectranthus australis. Neither the ASPCA nor Pet Poison Helpline has a plant reference entry for Plectranthus purpuratus, so it is outside this page's scope and we do not grade it. Check the full scientific name on the tag rather than relying on the shared name Swedish ivy.