Pet emergency
My cat ate Passiflora 'Incense' — what to do
Step by step
- Take passiflora 'incense' 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 passiflora 'incense' — FAQ
Is passiflora 'incense' poisonous to cats?
Yes — the ASPCA lists Passiflora 'Incense' (Passiflora 'Incense') as mildly toxic to cats. Passiflora is not listed on the ASPCA toxic plant database, but it is not confirmed pet-safe either; the leaves and stems of many passionflowers contain cyanogenic glycosides that can cause stomach upset, drooling, or lethargy if eaten. Treat with caution and verify with a vet; prevent pets from chewing the foliage.
How serious is it if my cat ate passiflora 'incense'?
Passiflora 'Incense' is mildly toxic, so most cats get short-lived mouth irritation, drooling, and vomiting rather than a life-threatening reaction. It is still worth a vet call to be safe, especially if your cat ate a lot or symptoms persist.
What symptoms should I watch for?
Signs usually appear soon after chewing: drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy. Passiflora is not listed on the ASPCA toxic plant database, but it is not confirmed pet-safe either; the leaves and stems of many passionflowers contain cyanogenic glycosides that can cause stomach upset, drooling, or lethargy if eaten. Treat with caution and verify with a vet; prevent pets from chewing the foliage. 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 passiflora 'incense' well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best cats-safe plants list.
Related
- Is passiflora 'incense' toxic to cats? — full toxicity detail
- Passiflora 'Incense' and pets — the complete ASPCA pet-safety guide