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Is Cape Sundew toxic to cats?

Drosera capensis

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists cape 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 capensis is not listed in the ASPCA toxic or non-toxic plant database, and no Drosera-genus species appears there, so a clean pet-safe rating cannot be confirmed. Sundews are not known to contain toxic compounds and growers widely treat them as harmless, but because there is no authoritative listing, treat as mildly toxic and contact your vet if a pet ingests one.

What to do if your cat ate cape sundew

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

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

Is cape sundew toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is cape sundew toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists cape 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 capensis is not listed in the ASPCA toxic or non-toxic plant database, and no Drosera-genus species appears there, so a clean pet-safe rating cannot be confirmed. Sundews are not known to contain toxic compounds and growers widely treat them as harmless, but because there is no authoritative listing, treat as mildly toxic and contact your vet if a pet ingests one.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats cape sundew?

Drosera capensis is not listed in the ASPCA toxic or non-toxic plant database, and no Drosera-genus species appears there, so a clean pet-safe rating cannot be confirmed. Sundews are not known to contain toxic compounds and growers widely treat them as harmless, but because there is no authoritative listing, treat as mildly toxic and contact your vet if a pet ingests one. 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 cape sundew.

What should I do if my cat ate cape 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 cape sundew toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to cape 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 cape sundew pet-safety