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If your cat ate white periwinkle — 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 or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 now.

White Periwinkle is toxic to cats (ASPCA).

Pet emergency

My cat ate White Periwinkle — what to do

Step by step

  1. Take white periwinkle 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 the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 (a consultation fee may apply) and 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.

My cat ate white periwinkle — FAQ

Is white periwinkle poisonous to cats?

Yes — the ASPCA lists White Periwinkle (Vinca minor 'Alba') as toxic to cats. Vinca minor 'Alba', as a cultivar of Vinca minor, contains the same vinca alkaloids as the species and is listed as toxic by the ASPCA to dogs and cats. Ingestion can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, low blood pressure, and neurological signs. All parts are toxic; keep away from pets.

How serious is it if my cat ate white periwinkle?

White Periwinkle 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. Vinca minor 'Alba', as a cultivar of Vinca minor, contains the same vinca alkaloids as the species and is listed as toxic by the ASPCA to dogs and cats. Ingestion can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, low blood pressure, and neurological signs. All parts are toxic; keep away from pets. 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 white periwinkle well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best cats-safe plants list.

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