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If your cat ate blue dawn flower — do this now

  1. Take the plant away and clear any pieces from their mouth.
  2. Do not induce vomiting unless told to by a professional.
  3. Call your vet now. If you cannot reach one, a poison-control line will triage you — ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 in the US, or Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509 000 in the UK. Both services charge a fee.

Blue dawn flower is toxic to cats (ASPCA).

Pet emergency

My cat ate Blue dawn flower — what to do

Step by step

  1. Take blue dawn flower away and remove any plant material from your cat's mouth so they cannot eat more.
  2. Note roughly how much was eaten and when — this helps the vet judge the risk.
  3. Do NOT induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist tells you to.
  4. Call your vet, or a poison-control line — (888) 426-4435 in the US, or Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509 000 in the UK. Both charge a consultation fee. Follow their advice.
  5. Watch for drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or lethargy, and bring a leaf or photo to the appointment.

This is general guidance, not veterinary advice. Pets vary, and a reaction may be to soil, fertiliser, or pesticide as well as the plant. When in doubt, call your vet — or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 in the US, or Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509 000 in the UK.

My cat ate blue dawn flower — FAQ

Is blue dawn flower poisonous to cats?

Yes — the ASPCA lists Blue dawn flower (Ipomoea indica) as toxic to cats. Ipomoea indica, like other morning glories in the genus, contains ergine (d-lysergic acid amide) alkaloids concentrated in the seeds. ASPCA lists Ipomoea species as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses — effects include GI upset, lethargy, agitation, and neurological signs. Seeds present the greatest hazard. The plant should also be noted as invasive in many warm regions; containment (deadheading before seed set) is strongly recommended where it is not native.

How serious is it if my cat ate blue dawn flower?

Blue dawn flower is toxic to cats and reactions can be significant, so treat any ingestion as urgent. Call your vet, or (888) 426-4435 in the US, or Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509 000 in the UK, straight away rather than waiting to see if symptoms develop.

What symptoms should I watch for?

Signs usually appear soon after chewing: drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy. Ipomoea indica, like other morning glories in the genus, contains ergine (d-lysergic acid amide) alkaloids concentrated in the seeds. ASPCA lists Ipomoea species as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses — effects include GI upset, lethargy, agitation, and neurological signs. Seeds present the greatest hazard. The plant should also be noted as invasive in many warm regions; containment (deadheading before seed set) is strongly recommended where it is not native. Any worsening or persistent symptoms warrant an immediate vet visit.

Should I make my cat vomit?

No — do not induce vomiting unless a vet or a poison-control specialist specifically tells you to. The wrong action can make things worse. Call your vet, or (888) 426-4435 in the US, or Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509 000 in the UK, and follow professional advice.

How do I stop this happening again?

Keep blue dawn flower well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best cats-safe plants list.

Type any plant to see what the ASPCA says about it and your cat.

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