Pet safety
Is Ivy-Leaved Cyclamentoxic to cats & dogs?
Cyclamen hederifolium
Toxic
Quick verdict — at a glance
- Toxic to cats?
- Yes — toxic
- Toxic to dogs?
- Yes — toxic
- ASPCA classification
- Toxic to pets · botanical name Cyclamen hederifolium
Is ivy-leaved cyclamen safe for cats and dogs?
No — ivy-leaved cyclamen 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 Cyclamen species as toxic to dogs and cats. Terpenoid saponins (cyclamins) are present throughout the plant, with the highest concentration in the tuber. Symptoms of ingestion include profuse salivation, vomiting, diarrhoea, and in cases of large tuber ingestion, cardiac arrhythmias, seizures, and death. This species is AGM-awarded and widely planted in UK gardens, making accidental pet exposure a real risk — seek immediate veterinary advice if ingestion is suspected.
| Pet | Toxic? | Per ASPCA |
|---|---|---|
| Cats | Yes | Toxic to pets |
| Dogs | Yes | Toxic to pets |
What happens if a pet eats ivy-leaved cyclamen?
ASPCA lists Cyclamen species as toxic to dogs and cats. Terpenoid saponins (cyclamins) are present throughout the plant, with the highest concentration in the tuber. Symptoms of ingestion include profuse salivation, vomiting, diarrhoea, and in cases of large tuber ingestion, cardiac arrhythmias, seizures, and death. This species is AGM-awarded and widely planted in UK gardens, making accidental pet exposure a real risk — seek immediate veterinary advice if ingestion is suspected. 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 ivy-leaved cyclamen, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What to do if your pet ate ivy-leaved cyclamen
- Remove any plant material from your pet's mouth and move ivy-leaved 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 ivy-leaved 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 ivy-leaved 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)
Ivy-Leaved Cyclamen and pets — frequently asked questions
Is ivy-leaved cyclamen toxic to cats?
Ivy-Leaved Cyclamen (Cyclamen hederifolium) is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. ASPCA lists Cyclamen species as toxic to dogs and cats. Terpenoid saponins (cyclamins) are present throughout the plant, with the highest concentration in the tuber. Symptoms of ingestion include profuse salivation, vomiting, diarrhoea, and in cases of large tuber ingestion, cardiac arrhythmias, seizures, and death. This species is AGM-awarded and widely planted in UK gardens, making accidental pet exposure a real risk — seek immediate veterinary advice if ingestion is suspected. 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 ivy-leaved cyclamen toxic to dogs?
Per the ASPCA, Ivy-Leaved Cyclamen (Cyclamen hederifolium) is toxic to dogs. Dogs often chew more enthusiastically than cats, so a toxic plant like ivy-leaved cyclamen is best removed from the floor and low shelves entirely.
What happens if my pet eats ivy-leaved cyclamen?
ASPCA lists Cyclamen species as toxic to dogs and cats. Terpenoid saponins (cyclamins) are present throughout the plant, with the highest concentration in the tuber. Symptoms of ingestion include profuse salivation, vomiting, diarrhoea, and in cases of large tuber ingestion, cardiac arrhythmias, seizures, and death. This species is AGM-awarded and widely planted in UK gardens, making accidental pet exposure a real risk — seek immediate veterinary advice if ingestion is suspected. 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 ivy-leaved cyclamen, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What should I do if my cat or dog ate ivy-leaved 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 ivy-leaved cyclamen to the appointment helps the vet treat it correctly.
What are pet-safe alternatives to ivy-leaved 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 ivy-leaved cyclamen care
Pet-safety is one piece of the picture. For light, watering, soil, and troubleshooting, see the complete ivy-leaved cyclamen care guide, or browse the full pet-safe plant library to check another plant before you buy it.