Short answer: African violets are generally considered non-toxic to cats. What this means for you

• Safety classification: Most reputable pet-safety sources label Saintpaulia (African violet) as non-toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. This suggests that a nibble is unlikely to cause serious poisoning in a healthy cat.

• Practical considerations: Even though they’re not poisonous, eating any plant material can upset a cat’s stomach or cause minor GI symptoms if ingested in quantity. If your cat shows persistent vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, or other signs after chewing on the plant, consult a veterinarian.

• Care tips to reduce risk: Place African violets out of reach or in elevated pots, monitor your cat around new plants, and avoid using strong fertilizers or systemic insecticides on the plant, as these treatments can pose risks if ingested in large amounts.

Notes and caveats

• There are occasional sources that may overstate toxicity or emphasize caution with fertilizers or pesticides; the core, widely cited guidance remains that African violets themselves are non-toxic to cats.

• If you rely on a single source for pet toxicity, cross-check with a charitable organization or veterinary poison control on current listings to ensure you have the latest guidance.

If you’d like, I can compile a quick, sources-only checklist for keeping African violets pet-safe in a multi-pet household.