Growli

Pet safety

Is Alpine Liverwort toxic to cats?

Erinus alpinus

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists alpine liverwort 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. Erinus alpinus is not listed by the ASPCA as toxic to cats, dogs, or horses. There are no reported cases of significant toxicity; however, as no formal 'non-toxic' listing exists for this species in the ASPCA database, 'mildly-toxic' is applied as a precaution. Monitor pets after ingestion and seek veterinary advice if symptoms develop.

What to do if your cat ate alpine liverwort

  1. Remove any plant material from your cat's mouth and move alpine liverwort 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 liverwort to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.

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

Is alpine liverwort toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is alpine liverwort toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists alpine liverwort 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. Erinus alpinus is not listed by the ASPCA as toxic to cats, dogs, or horses. There are no reported cases of significant toxicity; however, as no formal 'non-toxic' listing exists for this species in the ASPCA database, 'mildly-toxic' is applied as a precaution. Monitor pets after ingestion and seek veterinary advice if symptoms develop.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats alpine liverwort?

Erinus alpinus is not listed by the ASPCA as toxic to cats, dogs, or horses. There are no reported cases of significant toxicity; however, as no formal 'non-toxic' listing exists for this species in the ASPCA database, 'mildly-toxic' is applied as a precaution. Monitor pets after ingestion and seek veterinary advice if symptoms develop. 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 liverwort.

What should I do if my cat ate alpine liverwort?

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 liverwort toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to alpine liverwort?

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 liverwort pet-safety