Pet safety
Is Madagascar Periwinkle (Vinca)toxic to cats & dogs?
Catharanthus roseus
Quick verdict — at a glance
- Toxic to cats?
- Yes — toxic
- Toxic to dogs?
- Yes — toxic
- ASPCA classification
- Toxic to pets · botanical name Catharanthus roseus
Is madagascar periwinkle (vinca) safe for cats and dogs?
No — madagascar periwinkle (vinca) is toxic to cats and dogs. Keep it well away from any pet that chews plants; reactions can be significant. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List, the most widely used reference for companion-animal plant safety in the US and the standard most UK vets cite as well. The ASPCA lists periwinkle/vinca (Vinca rosea, a synonym of Catharanthus roseus) as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. All parts contain vinca alkaloids; ingestion can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, low blood pressure, depression, tremors, seizures, and in severe cases coma or death. Keep away from pets and call a vet or ASPCA Poison Control (888-426-4435) if eaten.
| Pet | Toxic? | Per ASPCA |
|---|---|---|
| Cats | Yes | Toxic to pets |
| Dogs | Yes | Toxic to pets |
What happens if a pet eats madagascar periwinkle (vinca)?
The ASPCA lists periwinkle/vinca (Vinca rosea, a synonym of Catharanthus roseus) as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. All parts contain vinca alkaloids; ingestion can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, low blood pressure, depression, tremors, seizures, and in severe cases coma or death. Keep away from pets and call a vet or ASPCA Poison Control (888-426-4435) if eaten. Signs usually appear soon after chewing rather than hours later. If you see drooling, pawing at the mouth, head-shaking, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy after your pet has had access to madagascar periwinkle (vinca), treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What to do if your pet ate madagascar periwinkle (vinca)
- Remove any plant material from your pet's mouth and move madagascar periwinkle (vinca) out of reach.
- Note how much was eaten and when, and watch for drooling, vomiting, or lethargy.
- Do not induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist instructs you to.
- Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice.
- Bring a leaf or photo of madagascar periwinkle (vinca) to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.
This page is general guidance, not veterinary advice. Pets vary, and a reaction may be to soil, fertiliser, or pesticide rather than the plant. If you are worried, always contact a vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 — do not wait for symptoms to worsen.
Pet-safe alternatives to madagascar periwinkle (vinca)
Want the same look without the risk? These plants are listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA and have similar care needs:
- Hoya — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- Bromeliad — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- Christmas cactus — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- African violet — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
Madagascar Periwinkle (Vinca) and pets — frequently asked questions
Is madagascar periwinkle (vinca) toxic to cats?
Madagascar Periwinkle (Vinca) (Catharanthus roseus) is toxic to pets to cats according to the ASPCA. The ASPCA lists periwinkle/vinca (Vinca rosea, a synonym of Catharanthus roseus) as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. All parts contain vinca alkaloids; ingestion can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, low blood pressure, depression, tremors, seizures, and in severe cases coma or death. Keep away from pets and call a vet or ASPCA Poison Control (888-426-4435) if eaten. Keep it out of reach and contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 if your cat chews it.
Is madagascar periwinkle (vinca) toxic to dogs?
The ASPCA lists the same toxicity status for dogs as for cats: Madagascar Periwinkle (Vinca) is toxic to pets. Dogs often chew more enthusiastically than cats, so a toxic plant like madagascar periwinkle (vinca) is best removed from the floor and low shelves entirely.
What happens if my pet eats madagascar periwinkle (vinca)?
The ASPCA lists periwinkle/vinca (Vinca rosea, a synonym of Catharanthus roseus) as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. All parts contain vinca alkaloids; ingestion can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, low blood pressure, depression, tremors, seizures, and in severe cases coma or death. Keep away from pets and call a vet or ASPCA Poison Control (888-426-4435) if eaten. Signs usually appear soon after chewing rather than hours later. If you see drooling, pawing at the mouth, head-shaking, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy after your pet has had access to madagascar periwinkle (vinca), treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What should I do if my cat or dog ate madagascar periwinkle (vinca)?
Stay calm. Remove any remaining plant material from your pet's mouth and take the plant away so they cannot eat more. Note roughly how much was eaten and when. Do not make your pet vomit 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. Bringing a photo or a leaf of madagascar periwinkle (vinca) to the appointment helps the vet treat it correctly.
What are pet-safe alternatives to madagascar periwinkle (vinca)?
If you want a similar look without the risk, good non-toxic swaps include hoya, bromeliad, christmas cactus, african violet. All of these are listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA, so they suit a home where pets have access to your plants.
Full madagascar periwinkle (vinca) care
Pet-safety is one piece of the picture. For light, watering, soil, and troubleshooting, see the complete madagascar periwinkle (vinca) care guide, or browse the full pet-safe plant library to check another plant before you buy it.