Growli
Let's go

Pet safety

Is Madagascar Periwinkle (Vinca) toxic to cats?

Catharanthus roseus

Toxic to cats

Yes — madagascar periwinkle (vinca) 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. The ASPCA lists periwinkle/vinca (Vinca rosea, a synonym of Catharanthus roseus) as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. All parts contain vinca alkaloids; ingestion can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, low blood pressure, depression, tremors, seizures, and in severe cases coma or death. Keep away from pets and call a vet or ASPCA Poison Control (888-426-4435) if eaten.

What to do if your cat ate madagascar periwinkle (vinca)

  1. Remove any plant material from your cat's mouth and move madagascar periwinkle (vinca) 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 madagascar periwinkle (vinca) to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.

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

Is madagascar periwinkle (vinca) toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is madagascar periwinkle (vinca) toxic to cats?

Yes — madagascar periwinkle (vinca) is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. The ASPCA lists periwinkle/vinca (Vinca rosea, a synonym of Catharanthus roseus) as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. All parts contain vinca alkaloids; ingestion can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, low blood pressure, depression, tremors, seizures, and in severe cases coma or death. Keep away from pets and call a vet or ASPCA Poison Control (888-426-4435) if eaten.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats madagascar periwinkle (vinca)?

The ASPCA lists periwinkle/vinca (Vinca rosea, a synonym of Catharanthus roseus) as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. All parts contain vinca alkaloids; ingestion can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, low blood pressure, depression, tremors, seizures, and in severe cases coma or death. Keep away from pets and call a vet or ASPCA Poison Control (888-426-4435) if eaten. 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 madagascar periwinkle (vinca).

What should I do if my cat ate madagascar periwinkle (vinca)?

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 madagascar periwinkle (vinca) toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Madagascar Periwinkle (Vinca) is toxic to dogs as well. See the full madagascar periwinkle (vinca) pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to madagascar periwinkle (vinca)?

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 madagascar periwinkle (vinca) pet-safety