Pet safety
Is Ipomoea purpureatoxic to cats & dogs?
Ipomoea purpurea
Quick verdict — at a glance
- Toxic to cats?
- Yes — toxic
- Toxic to dogs?
- Yes — toxic
- ASPCA classification
- Toxic to pets · botanical name Ipomoea purpurea
Is ipomoea purpurea safe for cats and dogs?
No — ipomoea purpurea 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. ASPCA lists Morning Glory (Ipomoea spp.) as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. The toxic principles are indole alkaloids (lysergic acid, lysergamide, elymoclavine, chanoclavine); signs include vomiting, and large quantities of seeds can cause hallucinations and disorientation. The seeds are the most concentrated part — keep pets away.
| Pet | Toxic? | Per ASPCA |
|---|---|---|
| Cats | Yes | Toxic to pets |
| Dogs | Yes | Toxic to pets |
What happens if a pet eats ipomoea purpurea?
ASPCA lists Morning Glory (Ipomoea spp.) as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. The toxic principles are indole alkaloids (lysergic acid, lysergamide, elymoclavine, chanoclavine); signs include vomiting, and large quantities of seeds can cause hallucinations and disorientation. The seeds are the most concentrated part — keep pets away. 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 ipomoea purpurea, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What to do if your pet ate ipomoea purpurea
- Remove any plant material from your pet's mouth and move ipomoea purpurea 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 ipomoea purpurea 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 ipomoea purpurea
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)
Ipomoea purpurea and pets — frequently asked questions
Is ipomoea purpurea toxic to cats?
Ipomoea purpurea (Ipomoea purpurea) is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. ASPCA lists Morning Glory (Ipomoea spp.) as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. The toxic principles are indole alkaloids (lysergic acid, lysergamide, elymoclavine, chanoclavine); signs include vomiting, and large quantities of seeds can cause hallucinations and disorientation. The seeds are the most concentrated part — keep pets away. 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 ipomoea purpurea toxic to dogs?
Per the ASPCA, Ipomoea purpurea (Ipomoea purpurea) is toxic to dogs. Dogs often chew more enthusiastically than cats, so a toxic plant like ipomoea purpurea is best removed from the floor and low shelves entirely.
What happens if my pet eats ipomoea purpurea?
ASPCA lists Morning Glory (Ipomoea spp.) as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. The toxic principles are indole alkaloids (lysergic acid, lysergamide, elymoclavine, chanoclavine); signs include vomiting, and large quantities of seeds can cause hallucinations and disorientation. The seeds are the most concentrated part — keep pets away. 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 ipomoea purpurea, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What should I do if my cat or dog ate ipomoea purpurea?
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 ipomoea purpurea to the appointment helps the vet treat it correctly.
What are pet-safe alternatives to ipomoea purpurea?
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 ipomoea purpurea care
Pet-safety is one piece of the picture. For light, watering, soil, and troubleshooting, see the complete ipomoea purpurea care guide, or browse the full pet-safe plant library to check another plant before you buy it.