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Is Corkscrew Plant toxic to cats?

Genlisea violacea

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists corkscrew plant 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. Genlisea (corkscrew plants) is not listed on the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants database, so its safety is unverified; treat with caution and verify with a vet. There are no established reports either way. Keep this uncommon plant out of reach of pets as a precaution.

What to do if your cat ate corkscrew plant

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

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

Is corkscrew plant toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is corkscrew plant toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists corkscrew plant 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. Genlisea (corkscrew plants) is not listed on the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants database, so its safety is unverified; treat with caution and verify with a vet. There are no established reports either way. Keep this uncommon plant out of reach of pets as a precaution.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats corkscrew plant?

Genlisea (corkscrew plants) is not listed on the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants database, so its safety is unverified; treat with caution and verify with a vet. There are no established reports either way. Keep this uncommon plant out of reach of pets as a precaution. 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 corkscrew plant.

What should I do if my cat ate corkscrew plant?

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 corkscrew plant toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Corkscrew Plant is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full corkscrew plant pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to corkscrew plant?

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 corkscrew plant pet-safety