Pet safety
Is Burgundy Periwinkle toxic to cats?
Vinca minor 'Atropurpurea'
Yes — burgundy periwinkle is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List. Vinca minor contains vinca alkaloids (vincamine, vinblastine-related compounds) toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. The ASPCA lists Vinca species as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses, causing vomiting, diarrhoea, low blood pressure, neurological signs, and seizures. Keep pets away from this plant.
What to do if your cat ate burgundy periwinkle
- Remove any plant material from your cat's mouth and move burgundy periwinkle 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 in the US, or Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509 000 in the UK and follow their advice.
- Bring a leaf or photo of burgundy periwinkle to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.
General guidance, not veterinary advice. If you think your cat has eaten burgundy periwinkle, contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 in the US, or Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509 000 in the UK — do not wait for symptoms to worsen.
Is burgundy periwinkle toxic to cats? — FAQ
Is burgundy periwinkle toxic to cats?
Yes — burgundy periwinkle is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Vinca minor contains vinca alkaloids (vincamine, vinblastine-related compounds) toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. The ASPCA lists Vinca species as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses, causing vomiting, diarrhoea, low blood pressure, neurological signs, and seizures. Keep pets away from this plant.
What are the symptoms if a cat eats burgundy periwinkle?
Vinca minor contains vinca alkaloids (vincamine, vinblastine-related compounds) toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. The ASPCA lists Vinca species as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses, causing vomiting, diarrhoea, low blood pressure, neurological signs, and seizures. Keep pets away from this plant. Signs usually appear soon after chewing rather than hours later — watch for drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy after your cat has had access to burgundy periwinkle.
What should I do if my cat ate burgundy periwinkle?
Stay calm. Remove any plant from your cat's mouth and take the plant away. Note how much was eaten and when, and do not induce vomiting unless told to. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 in the US, or Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509 000 in the UK and follow their advice; a leaf or photo helps the vet treat it correctly.
Is burgundy periwinkle toxic to dogs too?
The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Burgundy Periwinkle is toxic to dogs as well. See the full burgundy periwinkle pet-safety guide for both species.
What is a cat-safe alternative to burgundy periwinkle?
For a similar look without the risk, see the best cats-safe plants list — every plant there is ASPCA non-toxic to cats and dogs.
Type any plant to see what the ASPCA says about it and your cat.
Full burgundy periwinkle pet-safety
- Is lesser periwinkle toxic to cats? — the species this cultivar belongs to, checked separately
- Is burgundy periwinkle toxic to cats and dogs? — the full guide for both pets
- Is burgundy periwinkle toxic to dogs?
- My cat ate burgundy periwinkle — emergency steps
- Best cats-safe plants — the full ASPCA non-toxic list
- Complete burgundy periwinkle care guide
- Best plant app for pet owners — which apps actually flag ASPCA toxicity before you buy the plant
Writing about plant safety? Embed our free pet-toxicity checker on your site — ASPCA-grounded verdicts for 11,000+ plants, no sign-up.