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Pet safety

Is Cardinal climber toxic to cats?

Ipomoea x multifida

Toxic to cats

Yes — cardinal climber 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. As an Ipomoea hybrid, cardinal climber shares the genus's ASPCA-listed toxicity to dogs, cats, and horses. Seeds contain indole alkaloids (including lysergic acid compounds) and are the most hazardous part; ingestion causes vomiting, diarrhoea, and possible hallucinations.

What to do if your cat ate cardinal climber

  1. Remove any plant material from your cat's mouth and move cardinal climber out of reach.
  2. Note how much was eaten and when, and watch for drooling, vomiting, or lethargy.
  3. Do not induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist instructs you to.
  4. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice.
  5. Bring a leaf or photo of cardinal climber to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.

General guidance, not veterinary advice. If you think your cat has eaten cardinal climber, contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 — do not wait for symptoms to worsen.

Is cardinal climber toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is cardinal climber toxic to cats?

Yes — cardinal climber is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. As an Ipomoea hybrid, cardinal climber shares the genus's ASPCA-listed toxicity to dogs, cats, and horses. Seeds contain indole alkaloids (including lysergic acid compounds) and are the most hazardous part; ingestion causes vomiting, diarrhoea, and possible hallucinations.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats cardinal climber?

As an Ipomoea hybrid, cardinal climber shares the genus's ASPCA-listed toxicity to dogs, cats, and horses. Seeds contain indole alkaloids (including lysergic acid compounds) and are the most hazardous part; ingestion causes vomiting, diarrhoea, and possible hallucinations. 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 cardinal climber.

What should I do if my cat ate cardinal climber?

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 and follow their advice; a leaf or photo helps the vet treat it correctly.

Is cardinal climber toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Cardinal climber is toxic to dogs as well. See the full cardinal climber pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to cardinal climber?

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.

Full cardinal climber pet-safety