Pet safety
Is Notched Butterworttoxic to cats & dogs?
Pinguicula emarginata
Mildly toxic
Quick verdict — at a glance
- Toxic to cats?
- Yes — mildly
- Toxic to dogs?
- Yes — mildly
- ASPCA classification
- Mildly toxic to pets · botanical name Pinguicula emarginata
Is notched butterwort safe for cats and dogs?
Use caution. Notched Butterwort is on the mildly-toxic side of the ASPCA list. Most ingestions are short-lived but unpleasant for the pet; the cost-free fix is a placement they can't 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. Pinguicula emarginata is not specifically listed in the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant database. The genus Pinguicula is not a recognised highly toxic group. Ingestion may cause mild, transient gastrointestinal upset in cats and dogs. A precautionary mildly-toxic rating is applied.
| Pet | Toxic? | Per ASPCA |
|---|---|---|
| Cats | Yes (mild) | Mildly toxic to pets |
| Dogs | Yes (mild) | Mildly toxic to pets |
What happens if a pet eats notched butterwort?
Pinguicula emarginata is not specifically listed in the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant database. The genus Pinguicula is not a recognised highly toxic group. Ingestion may cause mild, transient gastrointestinal upset in cats and dogs. A precautionary mildly-toxic rating is applied. 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 notched butterwort, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What to do if your pet ate notched butterwort
- Remove any plant material from your pet's mouth and move notched butterwort 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 notched butterwort 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 notched butterwort
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)
Notched Butterwort and pets — frequently asked questions
Is notched butterwort toxic to cats?
Notched Butterwort (Pinguicula emarginata) is mildly toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Pinguicula emarginata is not specifically listed in the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant database. The genus Pinguicula is not a recognised highly toxic group. Ingestion may cause mild, transient gastrointestinal upset in cats and dogs. A precautionary mildly-toxic rating is applied. 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 notched butterwort toxic to dogs?
Per the ASPCA, Notched Butterwort (Pinguicula emarginata) is mildly toxic to dogs. Dogs often chew more enthusiastically than cats, so a toxic plant like notched butterwort is best removed from the floor and low shelves entirely.
What happens if my pet eats notched butterwort?
Pinguicula emarginata is not specifically listed in the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant database. The genus Pinguicula is not a recognised highly toxic group. Ingestion may cause mild, transient gastrointestinal upset in cats and dogs. A precautionary mildly-toxic rating is applied. 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 notched butterwort, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What should I do if my cat or dog ate notched butterwort?
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 notched butterwort to the appointment helps the vet treat it correctly.
What are pet-safe alternatives to notched butterwort?
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 notched butterwort care
Pet-safety is one piece of the picture. For light, watering, soil, and troubleshooting, see the complete notched butterwort care guide, or browse the full pet-safe plant library to check another plant before you buy it.