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Is Greater Periwinkle toxic to cats?

Vinca major

Toxic to cats

Yes — greater 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 major contains vinca alkaloids and is listed by the ASPCA as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. Ingestion may cause vomiting, diarrhoea, low blood pressure, tremors, and seizures. All parts of the plant are considered toxic. Keep away from pets and children.

What to do if your cat ate greater periwinkle

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

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

Is greater periwinkle toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is greater periwinkle toxic to cats?

Yes — greater periwinkle is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Vinca major contains vinca alkaloids and is listed by the ASPCA as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. Ingestion may cause vomiting, diarrhoea, low blood pressure, tremors, and seizures. All parts of the plant are considered toxic. Keep away from pets and children.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats greater periwinkle?

Vinca major contains vinca alkaloids and is listed by the ASPCA as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. Ingestion may cause vomiting, diarrhoea, low blood pressure, tremors, and seizures. All parts of the plant are considered toxic. Keep away from pets and children. 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 greater periwinkle.

What should I do if my cat ate greater 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 and follow their advice; a leaf or photo helps the vet treat it correctly.

Is greater periwinkle toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to greater 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.

Full greater periwinkle pet-safety