Pet safety
Is Greek Cyclamen toxic to cats?
Cyclamen graecum
Yes — greek 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. Cyclamen graecum contains terpenoid saponins (including cyclamin) throughout all plant parts, with the highest concentrations in the tuber. The ASPCA classifies the Cyclamen genus as toxic to cats and dogs; ingestion causes salivation, vomiting, and diarrhoea, and large quantities of tuber can cause cardiac arrhythmia and potentially death.
What to do if your cat ate greek cyclamen
- Remove any plant material from your cat's mouth and move greek cyclamen 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 and follow their advice.
- Bring a leaf or photo of greek cyclamen to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.
General guidance, not veterinary advice. If you think your cat has eaten greek cyclamen, contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 — do not wait for symptoms to worsen.
Is greek cyclamen toxic to cats? — FAQ
Is greek cyclamen toxic to cats?
Yes — greek cyclamen is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Cyclamen graecum contains terpenoid saponins (including cyclamin) throughout all plant parts, with the highest concentrations in the tuber. The ASPCA classifies the Cyclamen genus as toxic to cats and dogs; ingestion causes salivation, vomiting, and diarrhoea, and large quantities of tuber can cause cardiac arrhythmia and potentially death.
What are the symptoms if a cat eats greek cyclamen?
Cyclamen graecum contains terpenoid saponins (including cyclamin) throughout all plant parts, with the highest concentrations in the tuber. The ASPCA classifies the Cyclamen genus as toxic to cats and dogs; ingestion causes salivation, vomiting, and diarrhoea, and large quantities of tuber can cause cardiac arrhythmia and potentially death. 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 greek cyclamen.
What should I do if my cat ate greek 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 greek cyclamen toxic to dogs too?
The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Greek Cyclamen is toxic to dogs as well. See the full greek cyclamen pet-safety guide for both species.
What is a cat-safe alternative to greek cyclamen?
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 greek cyclamen pet-safety
- Is greek cyclamen toxic to cats and dogs? — the full guide for both pets
- Is greek cyclamen toxic to dogs?
- My cat ate greek cyclamen — emergency steps
- Best cats-safe plants — the full ASPCA non-toxic list
- Complete greek cyclamen care guide