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Is Scarlet Sundew toxic to cats?

Drosera scorpioides

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists scarlet 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 species are not listed in the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant database; they contain plumbagin (a 1,4-naphthoquinone) that may cause mild gastrointestinal irritation in cats and dogs. Classify as mildly-toxic until an authoritative non-toxic confirmation is available.

What to do if your cat ate scarlet sundew

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

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

Is scarlet sundew toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is scarlet sundew toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists scarlet 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 species are not listed in the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant database; they contain plumbagin (a 1,4-naphthoquinone) that may cause mild gastrointestinal irritation in cats and dogs. Classify as mildly-toxic until an authoritative non-toxic confirmation is available.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats scarlet sundew?

Drosera species are not listed in the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant database; they contain plumbagin (a 1,4-naphthoquinone) that may cause mild gastrointestinal irritation in cats and dogs. Classify as mildly-toxic until an authoritative non-toxic confirmation is available. 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 scarlet sundew.

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

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

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