Are Purple Waffle Plants Poisonous to Cats?

About

• The purple waffle plant (Hemigraphis exotica) is a decorative plant cold-hardy from U.S. Department of Agriculture zones 10 to 11. Though it’s a perennial in its native tropical environment, it’s grown elsewhere as a houseplant or annual groundcover. It grows best in moist but well-drained soils and thrives when planted in soil rich in humus. Considered a low-maintenance plant, the purple waffle plant is drought-tolerant and grows in areas ranging from full sun to partial shade, though plants in full sun don’t fully develop a rich, metallic shine on their leaves.

Identification

• Identifying your plants properly can aid in the diagnosis and treatment of accidental poisoning in your cat. Purple waffle plants are so-named for the waffled texture of their leaves. Leaves are ovate in shape and up to 3.5 inches long with a glossy shine. Leaves are maroon or purplish-green on top and a darker, burgundy red on bottom. Plants grow between 6 and 9 inches tall, with a creeping spread of 20 or more inches long. Purple waffle plants bloom in late spring to early summer. Flowers are small, white terminal spikes.

Toxicity

• Purple waffle plants are considered nontoxic to cats, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. No toxic episodes have occurred from contact with or ingestion of purple waffle plants. Because of their nontoxic status, these plants are considered relatively safe for use in households with cats. Accidental ingestion of the of the plant is not a cause for alarm or concern. If your cat is showing symptoms of poisoning after eating part of a purple waffle plant, it may have ingested plant matter from other plants instead.

Considerations

• Some cats might experience mild to moderate stomach upset after eating parts of the purple waffle plant. Cats are obligate carnivores and lack the enzymes necessary to digest greenery and plant matter. Vomiting, diarrhea and mild stomach upset are all normal occurrences after a cat ingests plant material. If symptoms persist for more than 24 hours, seek veterinary care because life-threatening dehydration can result from continued gastrointestinal upset.