Pet emergency
My cat ate Blue dawn flower — what to do
Step by step
- Take blue dawn flower away and remove any plant material from your cat's mouth so they cannot eat more.
- Note roughly how much was eaten and when — this helps the vet judge the risk.
- Do NOT induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist tells you to.
- Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 (a consultation fee may apply) and follow their advice.
- 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.
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 poison control on (888) 426-4435 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 the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center specifically tells you to. The wrong action can make things worse. Call (888) 426-4435 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.
Related
- Is blue dawn flower toxic to cats? — full toxicity detail
- Blue dawn flower and pets — the complete ASPCA pet-safety guide