Pet safety
Is Alice's Sundewtoxic to cats & dogs?
Drosera aliciae
Quick verdict — at a glance
- Toxic to cats?
- Yes — mildly
- Toxic to dogs?
- Yes — mildly
- ASPCA classification
- Mildly toxic to pets · botanical name Drosera aliciae
Is alice's sundew safe for cats and dogs?
Not entirely — alice's sundew is mildly toxic to cats and dogs. It rarely causes serious harm, but chewing it triggers real discomfort, so keep it out of a pet's reach. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List, the most widely used reference for companion-animal plant safety in the US and the standard most UK vets cite as well. The ASPCA does not individually list Drosera aliciae, and no sundew or Drosera species appears anywhere in its toxic or non-toxic plant database, so a clean pet-safe status cannot be confirmed. As a precaution treat it as mildly toxic — ingestion of any plant matter can cause mild stomach upset or vomiting — and verify with your vet before allowing pet access.
| Pet | Toxic? | Per ASPCA |
|---|---|---|
| Cats | Yes (mild) | Mildly toxic to pets |
| Dogs | Yes (mild) | Mildly toxic to pets |
What happens if a pet eats alice's sundew?
The ASPCA does not individually list Drosera aliciae, and no sundew or Drosera species appears anywhere in its toxic or non-toxic plant database, so a clean pet-safe status cannot be confirmed. As a precaution treat it as mildly toxic — ingestion of any plant matter can cause mild stomach upset or vomiting — and verify with your vet before allowing pet access. Signs usually appear soon after chewing rather than hours later. If you see drooling, pawing at the mouth, head-shaking, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy after your pet has had access to alice's sundew, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What to do if your pet ate alice's sundew
- Remove any plant material from your pet's mouth and move alice's sundew out of reach.
- Note how much was eaten and when, and watch for drooling, vomiting, or lethargy.
- Do not induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist instructs you to.
- Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice.
- Bring a leaf or photo of alice's sundew to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.
This page is general guidance, not veterinary advice. Pets vary, and a reaction may be to soil, fertiliser, or pesticide rather than the plant. If you are worried, always contact a vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 — do not wait for symptoms to worsen.
Pet-safe alternatives to alice's sundew
Want the same look without the risk? These plants are listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA and have similar care needs:
- Peperomia — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- Cast iron plant — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- Spider plant — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- Ponytail palm — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
Alice's Sundew and pets — frequently asked questions
Is alice's sundew toxic to cats?
Alice's Sundew (Drosera aliciae) is mildly toxic to pets to cats according to the ASPCA. The ASPCA does not individually list Drosera aliciae, and no sundew or Drosera species appears anywhere in its toxic or non-toxic plant database, so a clean pet-safe status cannot be confirmed. As a precaution treat it as mildly toxic — ingestion of any plant matter can cause mild stomach upset or vomiting — and verify with your vet before allowing pet access. Keep it out of reach and contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 if your cat chews it.
Is alice's sundew toxic to dogs?
The ASPCA lists the same toxicity status for dogs as for cats: Alice's Sundew is mildly toxic to pets. Dogs often chew more enthusiastically than cats, so a toxic plant like alice's sundew is best removed from the floor and low shelves entirely.
What happens if my pet eats alice's sundew?
The ASPCA does not individually list Drosera aliciae, and no sundew or Drosera species appears anywhere in its toxic or non-toxic plant database, so a clean pet-safe status cannot be confirmed. As a precaution treat it as mildly toxic — ingestion of any plant matter can cause mild stomach upset or vomiting — and verify with your vet before allowing pet access. Signs usually appear soon after chewing rather than hours later. If you see drooling, pawing at the mouth, head-shaking, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy after your pet has had access to alice's sundew, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What should I do if my cat or dog ate alice's sundew?
Stay calm. Remove any remaining plant material from your pet's mouth and take the plant away so they cannot eat more. Note roughly how much was eaten and when. Do not make your pet vomit 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. Bringing a photo or a leaf of alice's sundew to the appointment helps the vet treat it correctly.
What are pet-safe alternatives to alice's sundew?
If you want a similar look without the risk, good non-toxic swaps include peperomia, cast iron plant, spider plant, ponytail palm. All of these are listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA, so they suit a home where pets have access to your plants.
Full alice's sundew care
Pet-safety is one piece of the picture. For light, watering, soil, and troubleshooting, see the complete alice's sundew care guide, or browse the full pet-safe plant library to check another plant before you buy it.