Yes, wandering Jew plants are mildly toxic to cats.
Tradescantia belongs to the family of creeping plants called Commelinaceae. The herbaceous perennial wildflower has about 85 species. This includes the Tradescantia zebrina, which is commonly called wandering Jew plant or silver inch plant. Previously called Zebrina pendula, this fast growing ground cover is known for its violet and green leaves. On the other hand, the Tradescantia fluminensis, Speedy Henry, or inch plant has oval-shaped striped leaves in lilac and green. It can also bear three-petaled white flowers.
ASPCA reveals that wandering Jew plants are harmful to cats. It can cause skin irritations on areas it comes into contact with, as well as digestive complications. Because of these, cat parents should refrain from growing these plants inside their home or outside in their backyard, especially where pets have access to.
What to do if your cat accidentally comes into contact with, chews, or eats wandering Jew plants: Take away the plant and its possible remnants in your cat’s mouth. The leaves, stems, and sap may cause dermatitis. These typically manifest as redness, swelling, lesions, and small bumps in affected parts. Check areas of her body such as her chin, groin, and stomach.
In addition to the symptoms, your cat may also scratch and pull her hair. She may also experience digestive issues such as vomiting, diarrhea, or tummy ache. This depends on how much she ingested and how sensitive her stomach is. Contact your veterinarian if her symptoms persist.
In summary: Cat parents should not grow wandering Jew plants and their related species to prevent accidents from happening. Before you buy a new houseplant or bring home a bouquet of flowers, check out these lists by ASPCA, PetMD, and Pet Poison Helpline. They’ll help you determine which ones are harmful and safe for cats.
References:
Tradescantia zebrina – Wikipedia
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