Pet safety
Is Slack's Sundewtoxic to cats & dogs?
Drosera slackii
Quick verdict — at a glance
- Toxic to cats?
- No — non-toxic
- Toxic to dogs?
- No — non-toxic
- ASPCA classification
- Pet-safe · botanical name Drosera slackii
Is slack's sundew safe for cats and dogs?
Yes — ASPCA non-toxic to both cats and dogs. Slack's Sundew is a sensible choice for a pet household; a curious nibble will not poison anyone. 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. Drosera species are listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by ASPCA. D. slackii carries the same safe status — the sticky mucilage is a passive mechanical insect trap and has no documented toxic effects on mammals.
| Pet | Toxic? | Per ASPCA |
|---|---|---|
| Cats | No | Pet-safe |
| Dogs | No | Pet-safe |
What happens if a pet eats slack's sundew?
Because slack's sundew is non-toxic, a curious nibble will not poison a cat or dog. That said, no plant is meant to be eaten: a large quantity of any foliage can still cause mild, short-lived stomach upset or vomiting simply through fibre and volume. Persistent vomiting, diarrhoea, or lethargy after eating any plant is always worth a call to your vet, because the reaction may be to soil, fertiliser, or a pesticide rather than the plant itself.
What to do if your pet ate slack's sundew
- Remove any plant material from your pet's mouth and move slack'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 slack'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.
Slack's Sundew and pets — frequently asked questions
Is slack's sundew toxic to cats?
Slack's Sundew (Drosera slackii) is non-toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Drosera species are listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by ASPCA. D. slackii carries the same safe status — the sticky mucilage is a passive mechanical insect trap and has no documented toxic effects on mammals. It is a sensible pick for a cat household, though no plant should be a regular snack.
Is slack's sundew toxic to dogs?
Per the ASPCA, Slack's Sundew (Drosera slackii) is non-toxic to dogs. Dogs that gulp large amounts of any foliage can still get a mild, brief stomach upset, so discourage grazing even on a non-toxic plant.
What happens if my pet eats slack's sundew?
Because slack's sundew is non-toxic, a curious nibble will not poison a cat or dog. That said, no plant is meant to be eaten: a large quantity of any foliage can still cause mild, short-lived stomach upset or vomiting simply through fibre and volume. Persistent vomiting, diarrhoea, or lethargy after eating any plant is always worth a call to your vet, because the reaction may be to soil, fertiliser, or a pesticide rather than the plant itself.
What should I do if my cat or dog ate slack'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 slack's sundew to the appointment helps the vet treat it correctly.
Which other plants are safe for cats and dogs?
Reliable non-toxic houseplants on the ASPCA list include spider plant, areca palm, calathea, peperomia, and most true ferns. You can browse Growli's full pet-safety library to check any plant before you buy it, and every entry cites the ASPCA classification it is based on.
Full slack's sundew care
Pet-safety is one piece of the picture. For light, watering, soil, and troubleshooting, see the complete slack's sundew care guide, or browse the full pet-safe plant library to check another plant before you buy it.