Pet safety
Is Tradescantia (Inch Plant) safe for cats and dogs?
Tradescantia (Inch Plant) is toxic to cats and/or dogs, according to the ASPCA.
Considered toxic
Tradescantia (Inch Plant) (Tradescantia zebrina) is listed as toxic to cats and/or dogs on the ASPCA toxic and non-toxic plant list (column verified 2026-06-02). Keep it out of reach, and if your pet has chewed it, call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435.
What this verdict does and does not mean
Being non-toxic does not mean a plant is chew-proof: even pet-safe houseplants can upset a cat's or dog's stomach if they eat a large amount, simply because it is plant matter. Most toxic houseplants cause irritant-level symptoms, such as drooling, mouth soreness, or a mild upset stomach, rather than a medical emergency. A small number of plants are a genuine emergency, most notably true lilies (Lilium and Hemerocallis species) for cats, which can cause fatal kidney failure from even a small amount of pollen or a nibbled leaf. If you are ever in doubt, or your pet has eaten part of a plant, call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435.
Safer alternatives
Looking for something with a similar look and habit that is pet-safe instead?
- Prayer Plant, see the care guide.
- Hoya Carnosa (Wax Plant), see the care guide.
- Christmas Cactus, see the care guide.
More on pet safety
Read the full care guide for Tradescantia (Inch Plant), browse the pet safety checker for other plants, or identify a plant from a photo first if you are not sure what you have. Verdicts here follow the ASPCA toxic and non-toxic plant list.