Plant safety record
African Violet
Streptocarpus ionanthus
A compact rosette plant with fuzzy leaves and small violet-like flowers.
Also called: Saintpaulia, Cape marigold, Saintpaulia ionantha
Cats
Confirmed non-toxic
Documented as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the cited veterinary source.
Evidence Moderate evidence
Dogs
Confirmed non-toxic
Documented as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the cited veterinary source.
Evidence Moderate evidence
Why PawPlants gives these results
Documented as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the cited veterinary source. Documented as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the cited veterinary source. Current taxonomy places this species in Streptocarpus; older labels often use Saintpaulia.
Identification details
A compact rosette plant with fuzzy leaves and small violet-like flowers. Current taxonomy places this species in Streptocarpus; older labels often use Saintpaulia. Look for the scientific name Streptocarpus ionanthus or a verified synonym on the plant label.
Evidence and classification
Cat evidence: Moderate evidence. Dog evidence: Moderate evidence. Important qualification: The veterinary source uses the former genus name Saintpaulia. The veterinary source uses the former genus name Saintpaulia.
Sources
Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
Streptocarpus ionanthus | Plants of the World Online
Scope: Accepted name and family for Streptocarpus ionanthus.
Reviewed: 2026-07-30
American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
Toxic and Non-toxic Plants: African Violet
Scope: Veterinary cat and dog classification for African Violet.
Reviewed: 2026-07-30
Frequently asked questions
Does African Violet have the same result for cats and dogs?
The reviewed classifications match, but each pet result is still stored and reviewed separately.
Can the common name confirm the plant?
No. Current taxonomy places this species in Streptocarpus; older labels often use Saintpaulia.