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Is Saddle Pitcher Plant toxic to cats?

Nepenthes ephippiata

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists saddle pitcher 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. Nepenthes ephippiata is not listed on the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant database and no toxic principle dangerous to cats or dogs has been documented for this species. It is classified as mildly-toxic because insufficient safety data exist to confirm it as pet-safe; the digestive fluid inside pitchers could cause mild gastrointestinal irritation if ingested by a pet.

What to do if your cat ate saddle pitcher plant

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

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

Is saddle pitcher plant toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is saddle pitcher plant toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists saddle pitcher 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. Nepenthes ephippiata is not listed on the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant database and no toxic principle dangerous to cats or dogs has been documented for this species. It is classified as mildly-toxic because insufficient safety data exist to confirm it as pet-safe; the digestive fluid inside pitchers could cause mild gastrointestinal irritation if ingested by a pet.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats saddle pitcher plant?

Nepenthes ephippiata is not listed on the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant database and no toxic principle dangerous to cats or dogs has been documented for this species. It is classified as mildly-toxic because insufficient safety data exist to confirm it as pet-safe; the digestive fluid inside pitchers could cause mild gastrointestinal irritation if ingested by a pet. 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 saddle pitcher plant.

What should I do if my cat ate saddle pitcher 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 saddle pitcher plant toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to saddle pitcher 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 saddle pitcher plant pet-safety