# Is Calathea Rufibarba Toxic to Cats? What to Know Is calathea rufibarba toxic to cats? No. Calathea rufibarba, often sold as velvet calathea or furry feather calathea, is listed as non-toxic to cats [1]. That is good news for plant-loving households, but non-toxic does not mean a cat can eat it freely without any chance of an upset stomach. This article is educational and is not a substitute for veterinary diagnosis or treatment. ## Quick Answer - Calathea rufibarba belongs to the genus Calathea (family Marantaceae), which is classified as non-toxic to cats, dogs, and horses [1]. - There is no known plant toxin in this species that poisons cats, so severe poisoning is not expected from chewing on leaves or stems [1]. - Cats can still vomit, drool, or have diarrhea after eating plant material, because any fibrous or irritating plant can upset the stomach. - If your cat eats a large amount, has ongoing vomiting, or seems unwell, call your veterinarian or a pet poison hotline. - Keep the plant out of reach anyway, since houseplant ingestion is a common reason cat owners call for advice. ## Is Calathea Rufibarba Toxic to Cats? No. Calathea rufibarba is not considered toxic to cats. The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center lists plants in the genus Calathea as non-toxic to cats, dogs, and horses [1]. This listing covers Calathea species generally, and Calathea rufibarba falls within that group. ### Which parts of the plant are involved? The whole plant is treated as non-toxic, meaning leaves, stems, and roots are not expected to cause poisoning in cats [1]. There is no known toxic dose for this plant because no specific toxin has been identified in Calathea species. ### What about velvet calathea and furry feather calathea? These are common names for the same plant. Velvet calathea refers to the soft, fuzzy texture of the leaves, and furry feather calathea describes the same fuzzy look. All of these names point to Calathea rufibarba, so the safety information is the same. If you are unsure whether your plant is truly a Calathea, ask a nursery or your veterinarian to help identify it, since some plants with similar leaves can be toxic. ### Are other Calathea varieties safe too? Yes, the ASPCA listing covers Calathea species as a group, so related varieties such as Calathea orbifolia and Calathea lancifolia are also considered non-toxic to cats [1]. That said, always confirm the exact species if you are unsure, because plant names on tags can be wrong. ## The Toxic Principle and What It Does in the Body Calathea rufibarba does not contain a known plant toxin that harms cats [1]. Plant toxicity in general comes from a wide range of chemical compounds, including alkaloids, glycosides, proteins, and amino acids, and different species can react very differently to the same plant [2]. For Calathea, no such toxic compound has been identified for cats. So why do some cats vomit after chewing on a safe plant? The answer is usually mechanical and digestive, not poisonous. Plant leaves are tough and fibrous. A cat that swallows pieces of leaf may irritate the stomach lining or simply have trouble digesting the plant material. This can lead to vomiting or loose stool even when the plant itself is not toxic. Some cats also drool when they taste something bitter or unfamiliar. That reaction is a normal response to taste, not a sign of poisoning. If your cat has a sensitive stomach, even a small amount of any plant can cause brief nausea. If you want to understand how plant poisoning works in cats more broadly, see [What Plants Can Be Toxic To Cats](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/toxicology-and-food-safety/what-plants-can-be-toxic-to-cats). ## Signs to Watch For and Their Timeline Because Calathea rufibarba is non-toxic, serious signs are not expected [1]. Mild stomach upset is the most likely issue if your cat eats a lot of the plant. Signs that may appear within minutes to a few hours after eating plant material include: - Vomiting, sometimes with visible pieces of leaf - Drooling or lip smacking - Reduced appetite - Soft stool or diarrhea - Mild lethargy These signs are usually short-lived and often resolve on their own. However, repeated vomiting, vomiting that lasts more than a day, or a cat that stops eating and drinking needs veterinary attention. Young kittens, senior cats, and cats with other health conditions can become dehydrated faster, so watch them closely. If your cat has eaten a plant and you are not sure what it was, do not wait for signs to appear. Call for advice right away. ## What to Do Right Now If your cat chewed on your Calathea rufibarba, stay calm. This plant is not expected to poison your cat [1], but a few simple steps can help. 1. Move your cat away from the plant and remove any plant pieces from their mouth if you can do so safely. 2. Check how much seems to be missing. A nibbled leaf is different from a cat that ate half the plant. 3. Watch for vomiting, drooling, or diarrhea over the next few hours. 4. Offer fresh water. Do not force your cat to drink. 5. Call your veterinarian if you have any concerns, especially if your cat is a kitten, is pregnant, or has a chronic illness. If you cannot reach your veterinarian, you can call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 or Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661. These services may charge a consultation fee. Do not induce vomiting unless a veterinarian tells you to. Making a cat vomit at home can cause harm, and it is not needed for a plant that is considered non-toxic. If your cat ate a different plant and you are not sure whether it is safe, see [Plants Toxic To Cats](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/toxicology-and-food-safety/plants-toxic-to-cats) for guidance on common toxic species. ## Veterinary Treatment Most cats that chew on Calathea rufibarba do not need treatment. If your cat has mild vomiting or drooling, your veterinarian may recommend watching at home and offering small amounts of water and bland food once the stomach settles. If signs are more than mild, your veterinarian may examine your cat, check hydration, and run basic blood work if needed. Treatment for plant-related stomach upset is supportive. That can include fluids under the skin or into a vein, medication to control nausea, and a bland diet for a short time. The exact medication and dose are chosen by your veterinarian based on your cat's weight and health, so no home dose should be guessed. If your cat swallowed a large amount of plant material, your veterinarian may check for a blockage or irritation in the stomach and intestines. This is uncommon with soft houseplant leaves, but it is possible with any swallowed foreign material. ## Outlook The outlook for a cat that eats Calathea rufibarba is generally excellent. Since the plant is classified as non-toxic to cats [1], most cats recover fully with no treatment or with simple supportive care. Cats that vomit once or twice and then return to normal usually do fine. Cats with ongoing vomiting or diarrhea may need a veterinary visit, but even then, most recover well with fluids and stomach rest. The main risk is not poisoning. It is dehydration or ongoing stomach upset in a cat that keeps eating the plant. If your cat seems obsessed with chewing on houseplants, that habit is worth discussing with your veterinarian. Sometimes cats chew plants out of boredom, and sometimes it can be a sign of an underlying health issue. ## Prevention and Safer Alternatives The best prevention is simple. Put your Calathea rufibarba where your cat cannot reach it. Hanging planters, tall shelves, and closed plant rooms all work well. You can also use a small fence or barrier around the pot. If your cat loves to chew plants, offer safe alternatives. Cat grass (wheatgrass or oat grass) is a common choice and gives cats something to nibble. Make sure any plant you bring home is confirmed non-toxic to cats before it enters your home. If you are choosing new plants, check them against a reliable list first. The ASPCA plant database is a good starting point [1]. You can also review [Flowers That Are Toxic To Cats](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/toxicology-and-food-safety/flowers-that-are-toxic-to-cats) before bringing home cut flowers or gift bouquets. Keep in mind that many common houseplants and outdoor plants are genuinely dangerous. For example, oleander contains cardiac glycosides that are toxic to many species and can be fatal [3]. Knowing which plants are risky helps you keep your cat safe without giving up your love of plants. ## Limitations and When to Contact a Veterinarian No article can replace an exam of your own cat. Individual cases need a veterinarian who can see your cat, ask questions, and decide on the right care. Contact your veterinarian the same day if your cat: - Vomits more than two or three times - Has diarrhea that lasts more than a day - Refuses food or water - Seems dull, weak, or unusually quiet - Has a known health condition such as kidney disease Go to an emergency clinic right away if your cat: - Has trouble breathing - Collapses or cannot stand - Has a swollen, painful belly - Vomits blood or has bloody stool - Shows severe weakness or tremors Schedule a routine visit if your cat keeps eating plants, has mild drooling that comes and goes, or if you want help cat-proofing your home. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### Is velvet calathea safe for cats? Yes, velvet calathea (Calathea rufibarba) is considered non-toxic to cats [1]. Chewing on it is not expected to cause poisoning, though mild stomach upset is possible if your cat eats a lot of the plant. ### Can my cat get sick from eating Calathea rufibarba leaves? A cat can vomit or drool after eating the leaves, but this is usually due to the fibrous plant material irritating the stomach, not a toxin [1]. Most cases are mild and short-lived. ### Should I make my cat vomit after eating this plant? No. Do not induce vomiting unless a veterinarian tells you to. Since Calathea rufibarba is non-toxic, forcing vomiting is not needed and can cause harm. ### What if I am not sure which plant my cat ate? Call your veterinarian or a pet poison hotline right away. Plant identification matters because some plants are far more dangerous than others, and plant toxicity comes from many different chemical compounds that affect animals differently [2]. ### Are there other Calathea plants that are toxic to cats? No, Calathea species as a group are listed as non-toxic to cats, dogs, and horses [1]. If you are unsure whether your plant is a true Calathea, have it identified before you assume it is safe. ## Related Articles - [What Plants Can Be Toxic To Cats](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/toxicology-and-food-safety/what-plants-can-be-toxic-to-cats) - [Plants Toxic To Cats](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/toxicology-and-food-safety/plants-toxic-to-cats) - [Flowers That Are Toxic To Cats](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/toxicology-and-food-safety/flowers-that-are-toxic-to-cats) - [What Flowers Are Toxic To Cats](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/toxicology-and-food-safety/what-flowers-are-toxic-to-cats) - [What Plants And Flowers Are Toxic To Cats](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/toxicology-and-food-safety/what-plants-and-flowers-are-toxic-to-cats) - [What Plants Are Toxic To Cats With Pictures](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/toxicology-and-food-safety/what-plants-are-toxic-to-cats-with-pictures) - [Is Calathea Toxic to Cats and Dogs? Pet Safety](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/toxicology-and-food-safety/calathea-toxic-cats-dogs) - [Is Calathea Makoyana Toxic to Cats? Safety Facts](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/toxicology-and-food-safety/calathea-makoyana-toxic-cats) - [Is Rattlesnake Calathea Toxic to Cats? Plant Safety](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/toxicology-and-food-safety/rattlesnake-calathea-toxic-cats) ## References 1. [Toxic and Non-toxic Plants: Calathea](https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/aspca-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants/calathea). ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. 2. [Poisonous plants](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20358683/). EXS, 2010. 3. [A Probable Fatal Case of Oleander (Nerium oleander) Poisoning on a Cattle Farm: A New Method of Detection and Quantification of the Oleandrin Toxin in Rumen](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31349685/). Toxins, 2019. ## Further Reading - [ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center](https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control) - [ASPCA: People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets](https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/aspca-poison-control/people-foods-avoid-feeding-your-pets) - [U.S. Food and Drug Administration: Potentially Dangerous Items for Your Pet](https://www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/animal-health-literacy/potentially-dangerous-items-your-pet)