Are Wandering Jew Plants Poisonous to Cats?

Cuteness may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Learn more about our affiliate and product review process here.

If you love house plants but also have house cats, it's crucial to ensure that the former isn't toxic to the latter. The wandering jew -- formally known as Tradescantia fluminensis and also known as speedy Henry -- will harm your feline friends. So it's best to leave this one back at the greenhouse.

Advertisement

According to The Nest, the wandering jew has sap that can irritate a cat's digestive system if they consume part of the stem, but eating the leaves doesn't normally cause problems. Though we advise keeping this plant out of your cat-friendly home at all times.

Video of the Day

Video of the Day

Wandering jews are known for their stripes of white, green, silver, and purple colors in their leaves. They also have trailing vines that flow from its base which can be tempting for cats to play with and if ingested they can get sick.

Advertisement

Try These Non-Toxic Houseplants Instead

There are alternative common houseplants that won't harm your cat include:

  • African violets
  • Bromeliads
  • Ficus benjamina
  • Hibiscus
  • Miniature roses
  • Rubber plant
  • Schefflera
  • Spider plant
  • True ferns, such as the maidenhair or Boston
  • Venus fly trap
  • Wax begonias

Always check with your veterinarian before changing your pet’s diet, medication, or physical activity routines. This information is not a substitute for a vet’s opinion.

Advertisement

Report an Issue

screenshot of the current page

Screenshot loading...