Pet safety
Is Sea Bindweedtoxic to cats & dogs?
Calystegia soldanella
Mildly toxic
Quick verdict — at a glance
- Toxic to cats?
- Yes — mildly
- Toxic to dogs?
- Yes — mildly
- ASPCA classification
- Mildly toxic to pets · botanical name Calystegia soldanella
Is sea bindweed safe for cats and dogs?
Use caution. Sea Bindweed is on the mildly-toxic side of the ASPCA list. Most ingestions are short-lived but unpleasant for the pet; the cost-free fix is a placement they can't reach. 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. Calystegia soldanella is not specifically listed on the ASPCA toxic plant database. However, related bindweed species (Convolvulaceae) contain tropane alkaloids (pseudotropine) with atropine-like activity that can cause gastrointestinal upset and CNS effects in pets. As a precaution this plant is classed as mildly toxic — keep pets away from it and contact a vet if ingestion occurs.
| Pet | Toxic? | Per ASPCA |
|---|---|---|
| Cats | Yes (mild) | Mildly toxic to pets |
| Dogs | Yes (mild) | Mildly toxic to pets |
What happens if a pet eats sea bindweed?
Calystegia soldanella is not specifically listed on the ASPCA toxic plant database. However, related bindweed species (Convolvulaceae) contain tropane alkaloids (pseudotropine) with atropine-like activity that can cause gastrointestinal upset and CNS effects in pets. As a precaution this plant is classed as mildly toxic — keep pets away from it and contact a vet if ingestion occurs. 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 sea bindweed, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What to do if your pet ate sea bindweed
- Remove any plant material from your pet's mouth and move sea bindweed 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 sea bindweed 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 sea bindweed
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)
Sea Bindweed and pets — frequently asked questions
Is sea bindweed toxic to cats?
Sea Bindweed (Calystegia soldanella) is mildly toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Calystegia soldanella is not specifically listed on the ASPCA toxic plant database. However, related bindweed species (Convolvulaceae) contain tropane alkaloids (pseudotropine) with atropine-like activity that can cause gastrointestinal upset and CNS effects in pets. As a precaution this plant is classed as mildly toxic — keep pets away from it and contact a vet if ingestion occurs. 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 sea bindweed toxic to dogs?
Per the ASPCA, Sea Bindweed (Calystegia soldanella) is mildly toxic to dogs. Dogs often chew more enthusiastically than cats, so a toxic plant like sea bindweed is best removed from the floor and low shelves entirely.
What happens if my pet eats sea bindweed?
Calystegia soldanella is not specifically listed on the ASPCA toxic plant database. However, related bindweed species (Convolvulaceae) contain tropane alkaloids (pseudotropine) with atropine-like activity that can cause gastrointestinal upset and CNS effects in pets. As a precaution this plant is classed as mildly toxic — keep pets away from it and contact a vet if ingestion occurs. 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 sea bindweed, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What should I do if my cat or dog ate sea bindweed?
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 sea bindweed to the appointment helps the vet treat it correctly.
What are pet-safe alternatives to sea bindweed?
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 sea bindweed care
Pet-safety is one piece of the picture. For light, watering, soil, and troubleshooting, see the complete sea bindweed care guide, or browse the full pet-safe plant library to check another plant before you buy it.