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If your cat ate lance-leaved sundew — do this now

  1. Take the plant away and clear any pieces from their mouth.
  2. Do not induce vomiting unless told to by a professional.
  3. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 now.

Lance-leaved Sundew is mildly toxic to cats (ASPCA).

Pet emergency

My cat ate Lance-leaved Sundew — what to do

Step by step

  1. Take lance-leaved sundew away and remove any plant material from your cat's mouth so they cannot eat more.
  2. Note roughly how much was eaten and when — this helps the vet judge the risk.
  3. Do NOT induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist tells you to.
  4. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 (a consultation fee may apply) and follow their advice.
  5. Watch for drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or lethargy, and bring a leaf or photo to the appointment.

This is general guidance, not veterinary advice. Pets vary, and a reaction may be to soil, fertiliser, or pesticide as well as the plant. When in doubt, call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435.

My cat ate lance-leaved sundew — FAQ

Is lance-leaved sundew poisonous to cats?

Yes — the ASPCA lists Lance-leaved Sundew (Drosera adelae) as mildly toxic to cats. Drosera adelae is NOT individually listed in the ASPCA toxic/non-toxic plant database, and the ASPCA lists no Drosera (sundew) species at all; the only ASPCA-listed Droseraceae member is the Venus flytrap (a different genus, Dionaea), rated non-toxic. Because the sundew genus itself is unverified and some Drosera contain the irritant plumbagin, treat it conservatively as mildly toxic, where ingestion may cause mild mouth irritation or gastrointestinal upset, and verify with your vet or the ASPCA hotline before assuming it is safe.

How serious is it if my cat ate lance-leaved sundew?

Lance-leaved Sundew is mildly toxic, so most cats get short-lived mouth irritation, drooling, and vomiting rather than a life-threatening reaction. It is still worth a vet call to be safe, especially if your cat ate a lot or symptoms persist.

What symptoms should I watch for?

Signs usually appear soon after chewing: drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy. Drosera adelae is NOT individually listed in the ASPCA toxic/non-toxic plant database, and the ASPCA lists no Drosera (sundew) species at all; the only ASPCA-listed Droseraceae member is the Venus flytrap (a different genus, Dionaea), rated non-toxic. Because the sundew genus itself is unverified and some Drosera contain the irritant plumbagin, treat it conservatively as mildly toxic, where ingestion may cause mild mouth irritation or gastrointestinal upset, and verify with your vet or the ASPCA hotline before assuming it is safe. Any worsening or persistent symptoms warrant an immediate vet visit.

Should I make my cat vomit?

No — do not induce vomiting unless a vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center specifically tells you to. The wrong action can make things worse. Call (888) 426-4435 and follow professional advice.

How do I stop this happening again?

Keep lance-leaved sundew well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best cats-safe plants list.

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