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Is Alpine Butterwort toxic to cats?

Pinguicula alpina

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists alpine butterwort as mildly toxic to cats — a chewing cat typically gets mouth irritation, drooling, and vomiting rather than a medical emergency, but it is still best kept out of reach. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List. Pinguicula (butterworts) is not individually listed on the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants database, so its safety is unverified; treat with caution and verify with a vet. The greasy leaf secretion may cause minor irritation if mouthed. Keep away from pets that nibble houseplants.

What to do if your cat ate alpine butterwort

  1. Remove any plant material from your cat's mouth and move alpine butterwort out of reach.
  2. Note how much was eaten and when, and watch for drooling, vomiting, or lethargy.
  3. Do not induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist instructs you to.
  4. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice.
  5. Bring a leaf or photo of alpine butterwort to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.

General guidance, not veterinary advice. If you think your cat has eaten alpine butterwort, contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 — do not wait for symptoms to worsen.

Is alpine butterwort toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is alpine butterwort toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists alpine butterwort as mildly toxic to cats — a chewing cat typically gets mouth irritation, drooling, and vomiting rather than a medical emergency, but it is still best kept out of reach. Pinguicula (butterworts) is not individually listed on the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants database, so its safety is unverified; treat with caution and verify with a vet. The greasy leaf secretion may cause minor irritation if mouthed. Keep away from pets that nibble houseplants.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats alpine butterwort?

Pinguicula (butterworts) is not individually listed on the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants database, so its safety is unverified; treat with caution and verify with a vet. The greasy leaf secretion may cause minor irritation if mouthed. Keep away from pets that nibble houseplants. Signs usually appear soon after chewing rather than hours later — watch for drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy after your cat has had access to alpine butterwort.

What should I do if my cat ate alpine butterwort?

Stay calm. Remove any plant from your cat's mouth and take the plant away. Note how much was eaten and when, and do not induce vomiting unless told to. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice; a leaf or photo helps the vet treat it correctly.

Is alpine butterwort toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Alpine Butterwort is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full alpine butterwort pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to alpine butterwort?

For a similar look without the risk, see the best cats-safe plants list — every plant there is ASPCA non-toxic to cats and dogs.

Full alpine butterwort pet-safety