Pet safety
Is Cyclamentoxic to cats & dogs?
Cyclamen persicum
Quick verdict — at a glance
- Toxic to cats?
- Yes — toxic
- Toxic to dogs?
- Yes — toxic
- ASPCA classification
- Toxic to pets · botanical name Cyclamen persicum
Is cyclamen safe for cats and dogs?
Avoid for a pet household. Cyclamen is ASPCA-listed toxic to both cats and dogs; even a small chew can drive a vet visit. Plenty of look-alikes on the non-toxic side of the list — see alternatives below. 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 Cyclamen (Cyclamen spp.) as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses; the toxic principle is terpenoid saponins. Leaves and flowers cause drooling, vomiting, and diarrhoea, while the tuber - the most toxic part - can in large amounts cause heart-rhythm abnormalities, seizures, and death. Keep well away from pets and contact a vet or ASPCA Poison Control if ingested.
| Pet | Toxic? | Per ASPCA |
|---|---|---|
| Cats | Yes | Toxic to pets |
| Dogs | Yes | Toxic to pets |
What happens if a pet eats cyclamen?
The ASPCA lists Cyclamen (Cyclamen spp.) as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses; the toxic principle is terpenoid saponins. Leaves and flowers cause drooling, vomiting, and diarrhoea, while the tuber - the most toxic part - can in large amounts cause heart-rhythm abnormalities, seizures, and death. Keep well away from pets and contact a vet or ASPCA Poison Control if ingested. 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 cyclamen, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What to do if your pet ate cyclamen
- Remove any plant material from your pet's mouth and move cyclamen 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 cyclamen 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 cyclamen
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)
Cyclamen and pets — frequently asked questions
Is cyclamen toxic to cats?
Cyclamen (Cyclamen persicum) is toxic to pets to cats according to the ASPCA. The ASPCA lists Cyclamen (Cyclamen spp.) as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses; the toxic principle is terpenoid saponins. Leaves and flowers cause drooling, vomiting, and diarrhoea, while the tuber - the most toxic part - can in large amounts cause heart-rhythm abnormalities, seizures, and death. Keep well away from pets and contact a vet or ASPCA Poison Control if ingested. 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 cyclamen toxic to dogs?
The ASPCA lists the same toxicity status for dogs as for cats: Cyclamen is toxic to pets. Dogs often chew more enthusiastically than cats, so a toxic plant like cyclamen is best removed from the floor and low shelves entirely.
What happens if my pet eats cyclamen?
The ASPCA lists Cyclamen (Cyclamen spp.) as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses; the toxic principle is terpenoid saponins. Leaves and flowers cause drooling, vomiting, and diarrhoea, while the tuber - the most toxic part - can in large amounts cause heart-rhythm abnormalities, seizures, and death. Keep well away from pets and contact a vet or ASPCA Poison Control if ingested. 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 cyclamen, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What should I do if my cat or dog ate cyclamen?
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 cyclamen to the appointment helps the vet treat it correctly.
What are pet-safe alternatives to cyclamen?
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 cyclamen care
Pet-safety is one piece of the picture. For light, watering, soil, and troubleshooting, see the complete cyclamen care guide, or browse the full pet-safe plant library to check another plant before you buy it.