Pet emergency
My cat ate Fork-leaved Sundew — what to do
Step by step
- Take fork-leaved sundew away and remove any plant material from your cat's mouth so they cannot eat more.
- Note roughly how much was eaten and when — this helps the vet judge the risk.
- Do NOT induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist tells you to.
- Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 (a consultation fee may apply) and follow their advice.
- 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 fork-leaved sundew — FAQ
Is fork-leaved sundew poisonous to cats?
Yes — the ASPCA lists Fork-leaved Sundew (Drosera binata) as mildly toxic to cats. Drosera is not individually listed by the ASPCA, so a confirmed pet-safe status cannot be asserted; treat with caution and verify with a vet. No notable toxic principle is reported and ingestion of small amounts most likely causes only mild gastrointestinal upset, but the sticky tentacles can irritate, so keep it out of reach of cats and dogs.
How serious is it if my cat ate fork-leaved sundew?
Fork-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 is not individually listed by the ASPCA, so a confirmed pet-safe status cannot be asserted; treat with caution and verify with a vet. No notable toxic principle is reported and ingestion of small amounts most likely causes only mild gastrointestinal upset, but the sticky tentacles can irritate, so keep it out of reach of cats and dogs. 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 fork-leaved sundew well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best cats-safe plants list.
Related
- Is fork-leaved sundew toxic to cats? — full toxicity detail
- Fork-leaved Sundew and pets — the complete ASPCA pet-safety guide