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Pet safety

Is Cyclamen toxic to cats?

Cyclamen persicum

Toxic to cats

Yes — cyclamen 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 Cyclamen (Cyclamen spp.) as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses; the toxic principle is terpenoid saponins. Leaves and flowers cause drooling, vomiting, and diarrhoea, while the tuber - the most toxic part - can in large amounts cause heart-rhythm abnormalities, seizures, and death. Keep well away from pets and contact a vet or ASPCA Poison Control if ingested.

What to do if your cat ate cyclamen

  1. Remove any plant material from your cat's mouth and move cyclamen 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 cyclamen to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.

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

Is cyclamen toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is cyclamen toxic to cats?

Yes — cyclamen 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 Cyclamen (Cyclamen spp.) as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses; the toxic principle is terpenoid saponins. Leaves and flowers cause drooling, vomiting, and diarrhoea, while the tuber - the most toxic part - can in large amounts cause heart-rhythm abnormalities, seizures, and death. Keep well away from pets and contact a vet or ASPCA Poison Control if ingested.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats cyclamen?

The ASPCA lists Cyclamen (Cyclamen spp.) as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses; the toxic principle is terpenoid saponins. Leaves and flowers cause drooling, vomiting, and diarrhoea, while the tuber - the most toxic part - can in large amounts cause heart-rhythm abnormalities, seizures, and death. Keep well away from pets and contact a vet or ASPCA Poison Control if ingested. 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 cyclamen.

What should I do if my cat ate cyclamen?

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 cyclamen toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to cyclamen?

Good cat-safe swaps that keep a similar look include florist's gloxinia, african violet, cape primrose — all ASPCA non-toxic to cats and dogs. See the full pet-safe alternatives to cyclamen.

Full cyclamen pet-safety