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Is Lance-leaved Sundew toxic to cats?

Drosera adelae

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists lance-leaved sundew 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. Drosera adelae is NOT individually listed in the ASPCA toxic/non-toxic plant database, and the ASPCA lists no Drosera (sundew) species at all; the only ASPCA-listed Droseraceae member is the Venus flytrap (a different genus, Dionaea), rated non-toxic. Because the sundew genus itself is unverified and some Drosera contain the irritant plumbagin, treat it conservatively as mildly toxic, where ingestion may cause mild mouth irritation or gastrointestinal upset, and verify with your vet or the ASPCA hotline before assuming it is safe.

What to do if your cat ate lance-leaved sundew

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

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

Is lance-leaved sundew toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is lance-leaved sundew toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists lance-leaved sundew 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. Drosera adelae is NOT individually listed in the ASPCA toxic/non-toxic plant database, and the ASPCA lists no Drosera (sundew) species at all; the only ASPCA-listed Droseraceae member is the Venus flytrap (a different genus, Dionaea), rated non-toxic. Because the sundew genus itself is unverified and some Drosera contain the irritant plumbagin, treat it conservatively as mildly toxic, where ingestion may cause mild mouth irritation or gastrointestinal upset, and verify with your vet or the ASPCA hotline before assuming it is safe.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats lance-leaved sundew?

Drosera adelae is NOT individually listed in the ASPCA toxic/non-toxic plant database, and the ASPCA lists no Drosera (sundew) species at all; the only ASPCA-listed Droseraceae member is the Venus flytrap (a different genus, Dionaea), rated non-toxic. Because the sundew genus itself is unverified and some Drosera contain the irritant plumbagin, treat it conservatively as mildly toxic, where ingestion may cause mild mouth irritation or gastrointestinal upset, and verify with your vet or the ASPCA hotline before assuming it is safe. 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 lance-leaved sundew.

What should I do if my cat ate lance-leaved sundew?

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 lance-leaved sundew toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Lance-leaved Sundew is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full lance-leaved sundew pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to lance-leaved sundew?

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 lance-leaved sundew pet-safety