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Is Western Sundew toxic to cats?

Drosera occidentalis

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists western 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 which may cause mild gastrointestinal upset if ingested by cats or dogs. Classify as mildly-toxic until an authoritative non-toxic listing is confirmed.

What to do if your cat ate western sundew

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

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

Is western sundew toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is western sundew toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists western 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 which may cause mild gastrointestinal upset if ingested by cats or dogs. Classify as mildly-toxic until an authoritative non-toxic listing is confirmed.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats western sundew?

Drosera species are not listed in the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant database; they contain plumbagin which may cause mild gastrointestinal upset if ingested by cats or dogs. Classify as mildly-toxic until an authoritative non-toxic listing is confirmed. 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 western sundew.

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

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

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