Is Inch Plant toxic to cats?
Inch plant (Tradescantia fluminensis, also known as speedy henry) is an irritant to cats (S2 Irritant): the ASPCA lists it as "Toxic to Dogs, Toxic to Cats, Toxic to Horses," and the one clinical sign on record is dermatitis, a skin reaction.
- TOXINnot specified by the source
- WHAT TO EXPECTdermatitis (skin reaction)
- CALL THE VETCall your vet if a skin reaction appears and does not settle, or spreads.
Symptoms
| SIGN |
|---|
| dermatitis (skin reaction) |
If your cat just ate it
Safe swaps, graded S0
Graded S0 for cats. Same-shape matches are coming as the index grows.
Care at a glance
FAQ
Is inch plant toxic to cats?
Yes, as a skin irritant — S2 Irritant. The ASPCA lists Tradescantia fluminensis, also known as inch plant and speedy henry, as "Toxic to Dogs, Toxic to Cats, Toxic to Horses," and gives a single clinical sign: "Dermatitis." The entry names no toxic principle and no stomach signs, so we do not add any; the skin reaction alone is what puts it at S2 rather than S1, which is reserved for plants whose record stops at mild stomach upset. Move the plant out of reach and watch your cat's skin; call your vet if a reaction appears and does not settle.
Is speedy henry the same plant as inch plant?
Yes, on the ASPCA record. Three ASPCA entries, including Inch Plant and Variegated Inch Plant, give the same scientific name, Tradescantia fluminensis, list "Speedy Henry" as another name, and carry the same verdict — "Toxic to Dogs, Toxic to Cats, Toxic to Horses" — and the same single sign, "Dermatitis." This page covers that one species, not every plant in the genus Tradescantia, so check the scientific name on the tag. If it matches, keep the plant out of reach and watch for a skin reaction.
What happens if my dog gets into an inch plant?
A skin reaction is the only sign on record. The ASPCA lists Tradescantia fluminensis as "Toxic to Dogs" with one clinical sign, "Dermatitis" — no toxic principle and no stomach signs are listed, so we do not add any. That skin reaction is what grades it S2 Irritant rather than S1. Move the plant out of reach and watch your dog's skin; call your vet if a reaction appears and does not settle, or spreads.