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Pet safety

Is Bladderwort toxic to cats?

Utricularia spp.

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists bladderwort 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. Neither "Bladderwort" nor "Utricularia" appears on the ASPCA toxic or non-toxic plant lists, so its safety for cats and dogs is not formally established. Some growers report it as non-toxic, but because the ASPCA has not verified the genus, treat it as potentially mildly irritating, keep it out of reach, and consult your vet if a pet eats any.

What to do if your cat ate bladderwort

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

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

Is bladderwort toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is bladderwort toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists bladderwort 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. Neither "Bladderwort" nor "Utricularia" appears on the ASPCA toxic or non-toxic plant lists, so its safety for cats and dogs is not formally established. Some growers report it as non-toxic, but because the ASPCA has not verified the genus, treat it as potentially mildly irritating, keep it out of reach, and consult your vet if a pet eats any.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats bladderwort?

Neither "Bladderwort" nor "Utricularia" appears on the ASPCA toxic or non-toxic plant lists, so its safety for cats and dogs is not formally established. Some growers report it as non-toxic, but because the ASPCA has not verified the genus, treat it as potentially mildly irritating, keep it out of reach, and consult your vet if a pet eats any. 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 bladderwort.

What should I do if my cat ate bladderwort?

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 bladderwort toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to bladderwort?

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 bladderwort pet-safety