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Is Vallisneria-Leaved Butterwort toxic to cats?

Pinguicula vallisneriifolia

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists vallisneria-leaved butterwort 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. Pinguicula vallisneriifolia is not listed in the ASPCA Toxic & Non-Toxic Plant database. No confirmed toxic principle has been identified in the genus, but digestive mucilage on the leaves may irritate mucous membranes if chewed. Classed as mildly-toxic pending formal ASPCA classification.

What to do if your cat ate vallisneria-leaved butterwort

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

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

Is vallisneria-leaved butterwort toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is vallisneria-leaved butterwort toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists vallisneria-leaved butterwort 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. Pinguicula vallisneriifolia is not listed in the ASPCA Toxic & Non-Toxic Plant database. No confirmed toxic principle has been identified in the genus, but digestive mucilage on the leaves may irritate mucous membranes if chewed. Classed as mildly-toxic pending formal ASPCA classification.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats vallisneria-leaved butterwort?

Pinguicula vallisneriifolia is not listed in the ASPCA Toxic & Non-Toxic Plant database. No confirmed toxic principle has been identified in the genus, but digestive mucilage on the leaves may irritate mucous membranes if chewed. Classed as mildly-toxic pending formal ASPCA classification. 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 vallisneria-leaved butterwort.

What should I do if my cat ate vallisneria-leaved butterwort?

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 vallisneria-leaved butterwort toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Vallisneria-Leaved Butterwort is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full vallisneria-leaved butterwort pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to vallisneria-leaved butterwort?

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 vallisneria-leaved butterwort pet-safety