# Are Pilea Mollis, Mojito and Aluminum Plants Toxic to Cats? Is Pilea mollis toxic to cats? No. The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center lists Pilea species as non-toxic to cats, dogs, and horses [1][2][3]. That means moon valley pilea, Pilea mojito, and aluminum plants are generally considered safe houseplants around your cat. This article is educational and is not a substitute for veterinary diagnosis or treatment. ## Quick Answer - Pilea mollis (moon valley pilea) is not listed as toxic to cats by the ASPCA, and the broader Pilea genus carries non-toxic listings [1][2][3]. - Pilea mojito is a cultivar of Pilea nummulariifolia, which the ASPCA lists as non-toxic to cats [2]. - Aluminum plant (Pilea cadierei) belongs to the same genus as the Pilea species with non-toxic records, though it does not have its own ASPCA entry in these records [1][2][3]. - Non-toxic does not mean edible. Eating any houseplant can still cause mild stomach upset, drooling, or vomiting in some cats. - If your cat eats a Pilea and then shows repeated vomiting, lethargy, or trouble breathing, call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 right away. ## Is Pilea Mollis Toxic to Cats? What the Records Show The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center maintains a toxic and non-toxic plant database that veterinarians and owners use as a first reference. Its Pilea records list the plants as non-toxic to dogs, cats, and horses, with "non-toxic" named as the toxic principle [1][3]. That is the agency's way of saying no known plant toxin has been identified in these species. Pilea mollis is the plant sold as moon valley pilea, thanks to its quilted, bronze-green leaves. It does not have a separate ASPCA record in the entries reviewed here, but it belongs to the same genus as the Pilea species that do. When a whole genus is listed as non-toxic, related species are usually treated the same way unless a specific exception is known. The same logic applies to Pilea mojito, a newer cultivar with bright green, slightly crinkled leaves. It is a selection of Pilea nummulariifolia, the creeping pilea, which the ASPCA lists as non-toxic to cats [2]. Aluminum plant, Pilea cadierei, is another common Pilea in the same family, Urticaceae [1][3]. So the short answer for all three is the same. There is no known toxic principle in Pilea that would poison a cat. ### Which Parts of the Plant Are Involved? All above-ground parts, meaning leaves, stems, and any flowers, fall under the non-toxic listing [1][3]. There is no known toxic sap, no toxic bulb, and no toxic seed reported for these plants. That said, a cat chewing on leaves can still swallow plant fiber that the stomach does not handle well. Mechanical irritation from rough leaf edges or from a large amount of plant material can cause a cat to vomit even when the plant itself is not poisonous. ### What About Fertilizer, Pesticides, and Potting Soil? The plant is not the only thing in the pot. Systemic insecticides, granular fertilizers, and some potting mixes can contain compounds that are far more dangerous to a cat than the Pilea itself. If your cat eats plant material and then becomes sick, your veterinarian will want to know what products were used on or around that plant. This is one reason a plant can be labeled non-toxic and a cat can still get sick after chewing it. The plant record covers the plant, not the chemicals you add to it. ## The Toxic Principle and What It Does in the Body For Pilea species, the ASPCA lists the toxic principle as non-toxic [1][3]. In plain terms, no specific toxin has been identified that would act on a cat's body the way, for example, grayanotoxins from Rhododendron species do [4]. Plant poisoning in general comes from a wide range of chemical compounds, including alkaloids, glycosides, proteins, and amino acids [5]. Different species and even different animals within a species can respond differently to the same plant [5]. Cats are not small dogs, and their liver handles many compounds differently, which is why species-specific plant records matter. Because no toxic compound is known in Pilea, there is no target organ for it to attack. There is no known mechanism by which it would cause kidney failure, liver damage, or neurologic signs. That is different from plants with real toxins, where the poison has a defined effect on a specific body system. If a cat does get sick after eating a Pilea, the cause is more likely to be one of these: - A large volume of indigestible plant fiber - A pesticide or fertilizer on the leaves - A different plant in the same room that is actually toxic - An unrelated illness that happened to start around the same time That last point matters. Cats vomit for many reasons, and plant ingestion is often blamed because it is the visible event. Your veterinarian will sort out which is which. ## Signs to Watch For and Their Typical Timeline Because Pilea is non-toxic, there is no expected poisoning syndrome and no standard timeline of toxic signs [1][3]. Any signs you see would come from stomach irritation or from something else the cat ate. Mild signs that can follow eating any houseplant include: - Drooling - One or two episodes of vomiting - Lip smacking or pawing at the mouth - Mild decrease in appetite for a few hours These usually show up within minutes to a few hours of chewing and often settle on their own. Signs that are not explained by a non-toxic plant and need same-day veterinary attention include: - Repeated vomiting or vomiting that continues past a few hours - Diarrhea that is bloody or lasts more than a day - Refusing food or water for more than 12 to 24 hours - Lethargy, hiding, or weakness - Tremors, wobbling, or seizures - Trouble breathing, open-mouth breathing, or blue gums - Drooling that will not stop For context, plant poisonings that do cause serious signs tend to produce them in a recognizable pattern. Grayanotoxin poisoning from Ericaceae plants, for example, commonly causes retching, regurgitation, and vomiting in ruminants, and has been reported in companion animals including cats [4]. Pilea has no such reported syndrome. If you are unsure whether your cat's signs are from the plant or from something else, treat it as urgent. You can also read more about which plants cause real problems in [Plants Toxic To Cats](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/toxicology-and-food-safety/plants-toxic-to-cats) and [What Plants Can Be Toxic To Cats](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/toxicology-and-food-safety/what-plants-can-be-toxic-to-cats). ## What to Do Right Now If your cat just chewed a Pilea and seems fine, take these steps. 1. Move the plant out of reach. 2. Wipe your cat's mouth with a damp cloth if there is plant material or soil on the lips. 3. Offer fresh water. 4. Watch for vomiting, drooling, or changes in behavior for the next few hours. 5. Take a photo of the plant and note how much leaf material looks missing. If your cat is vomiting repeatedly, lethargic, wobbly, or having trouble breathing, call for help immediately. You have three options. - Your veterinarian or the nearest emergency veterinary hospital - ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 (a consultation fee may apply) [1][3] - Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661 Do not induce vomiting unless a veterinarian tells you to. Making a cat vomit can cause aspiration of material into the lungs, and it is unnecessary for a plant with no known toxin. Do not give human medications, milk, or home remedies. Do not wait to see if things get worse if your cat already looks unwell. ## Veterinary Treatment for a Pilea Exposure For a confirmed Pilea ingestion in a cat that looks normal, many veterinarians will recommend monitoring at home instead of treatment. There is no antidote to give because there is no toxin [1][3]. If your cat has vomiting or drooling, your veterinarian may: - Perform a physical exam, including checking the mouth for cuts or lodged plant material - Ask what else the cat could have eaten, including other plants, human food, or medications - Run blood work if signs are severe or lasting - Give anti-nausea medication or fluids under the skin or into a vein - Use activated charcoal only in specific cases, and only when a real toxin is suspected The dose of any medication is calculated by your veterinarian from your cat's weight and health status. There is no home dose for a plant exposure. If a toxin is suspected, your veterinarian may send samples for laboratory testing. Forensic toxicology methods can detect compounds such as anticoagulant rodenticides in gastric contents from cats, and these tests are used when poisoning is a real possibility [6]. For a Pilea, that kind of testing is not needed. ## Outlook The outlook for a cat that eats a Pilea is excellent. With no known toxic principle, serious poisoning is not expected [1][3]. Most cats that chew a leaf and swallow it have no signs at all. Some will vomit once or twice and then act normal within a few hours. If your cat has a sensitive stomach or eats a large amount of plant material, signs may last a day or so. The outlook changes if the plant was treated with a pesticide or fertilizer, or if the cat ate a different plant that is actually toxic. In those cases, the outlook depends on what the real exposure was, how much was eaten, and how quickly treatment started. ## Prevention and Safer Alternatives The simplest prevention is placement. Put Pilea plants on shelves, in hanging baskets, or in rooms your cat cannot reach. Cats can jump higher than many owners expect, so check the plant from your cat's point of view. Other practical steps: - Use plain potting mix and avoid systemic insecticides on plants your cat can reach. - Rinse leaves if you have used any leaf shine or spray product. - Offer cat grass or a catnip plant as a legal chewing option. - Rotate or remove plants your cat keeps attacking, even safe ones. - Keep a list of every plant in your home with its common and scientific name. If you want to build a cat-safe plant collection, Pilea is a reasonable choice. So are many other plants, but the list of toxic ones is long and includes some very common houseplants. For a broader look, see [What Plants Are Toxic To Cats Houseplants](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/toxicology-and-food-safety/what-plants-are-toxic-to-cats-houseplants) and [House Plants Toxic To Cat](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/toxicology-and-food-safety/house-plants-toxic-to-cat). ## Limitations and When to Contact a Veterinarian Plant records are a starting point, not a diagnosis. A non-toxic listing does not rule out every possible problem, and it does not cover pesticides, fertilizers, or other plants in the same pot [1][3]. Individual cases need a veterinarian who can examine your cat and ask the right questions. Call your veterinarian the same day if your cat: - Vomits more than two or three times - Drools continuously - Refuses food for more than 12 to 24 hours - Seems painful around the mouth or abdomen Go to an emergency clinic now if your cat: - Has a seizure, tremors, or cannot stand - Breathes with an open mouth or has blue gums - Collapses or is unresponsive - Has severe or bloody diarrhea with weakness Schedule a routine visit if your cat keeps eating plants, if you are not sure which plant was chewed, or if you want help cat-proofing your home. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### Is Pilea mojito safe for cats? Yes, Pilea mojito is considered safe. It is a cultivar of Pilea nummulariifolia, which the ASPCA lists as non-toxic to cats, dogs, and horses [2]. A cat that eats a leaf may still drool or vomit from the plant fiber, but no toxin is involved. ### Is aluminum plant toxic to cats? No, aluminum plant (Pilea cadierei) is not known to be toxic to cats. It belongs to the same genus as Pilea species with non-toxic ASPCA records [1][3]. As with any houseplant, watch for stomach upset if your cat eats a lot of it. ### Is moon valley pilea cat safe? Yes, moon valley pilea is generally considered cat safe. Pilea mollis is in the same genus as the Pilea plants listed as non-toxic by the ASPCA [1][3]. Keep in mind that the plant record does not cover any chemicals applied to the leaves. ### What should I do if my cat ate a Pilea leaf? If your cat seems normal, move the plant away, offer water, and watch for a few hours. If your cat vomits repeatedly, drools constantly, or acts lethargic, call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435. Do not make your cat vomit unless a veterinarian tells you to. ### Can a non-toxic plant still make my cat sick? Yes, it can. Eating a large amount of any plant can irritate the stomach and cause vomiting or diarrhea, even when no toxin is present. Pesticides, fertilizers, and other plants in the same pot are often the real cause of signs after a plant exposure. ## Related Articles - [Plants Toxic To Cats](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/toxicology-and-food-safety/plants-toxic-to-cats) - [What Plants Can Be Toxic To Cats](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/toxicology-and-food-safety/what-plants-can-be-toxic-to-cats) - [What Plants Are Toxic To Cats Houseplants](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/toxicology-and-food-safety/what-plants-are-toxic-to-cats-houseplants) - [House Plants Toxic To Cat](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/toxicology-and-food-safety/house-plants-toxic-to-cat) - [What Plants And Flowers Are Toxic To Cats](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/toxicology-and-food-safety/what-plants-and-flowers-are-toxic-to-cats) - [Flowers That Are Toxic To Cats](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/toxicology-and-food-safety/flowers-that-are-toxic-to-cats) - [Is Pilea Peperomioides Toxic to Cats? Pancake Plant Safety](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/toxicology-and-food-safety/pilea-peperomioides-toxic-cats) - [Is Bronze Pilea Toxic to Cats? Safety Guide](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/toxicology-and-food-safety/bronze-pilea-toxic-cats) - [Is Pilea Cadierei Toxic to Cats? Vet Safety Facts](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/toxicology-and-food-safety/pilea-cadierei-toxic-cats) ## References 1. [Toxic and Non-toxic Plants: Pilea Mucosa](https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/aspca-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants/pilea-mucosa). ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. 2. [Toxic and Non-toxic Plants: Creeping Pilea](https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/aspca-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants/creeping-pilea). ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. 3. [Toxic and Non-toxic Plants: Pilea Microphylla](https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/aspca-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants/pilea-microphylla). ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. 4. [Grayanotoxin poisoning in animals following the ingestion of Ericaceae plants](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41544885/). Veterinary journal (London, England : 1997), 2026. 5. [Poisonous plants](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20358683/). EXS, 2010. 6. [Forensic LC-MS/MS Monitoring of Anticoagulant Rodenticide Poisoning in Cats Over a Half-Decade](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42722447/). Veterinary medicine and science, 2026. ## Further Reading - [ASPCA: Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants List](https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/aspca-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants) - [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)