Growli
Let's go

Pet safety

Is Hardy Cyclamen toxic to cats?

Cyclamen hederifolium

Toxic to cats

Yes — hardy 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. ASPCA-listed as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. All Cyclamen contain terpenoid saponins, most concentrated in the tubers and roots. Ingestion causes drooling, vomiting and diarrhoea; large amounts of tuber can trigger heart-rhythm abnormalities and seizures. Keep tubers and dropped seed away from pets.

What to do if your cat ate hardy cyclamen

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

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

Is hardy cyclamen toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is hardy cyclamen toxic to cats?

Yes — hardy cyclamen is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. ASPCA-listed as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. All Cyclamen contain terpenoid saponins, most concentrated in the tubers and roots. Ingestion causes drooling, vomiting and diarrhoea; large amounts of tuber can trigger heart-rhythm abnormalities and seizures. Keep tubers and dropped seed away from pets.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats hardy cyclamen?

ASPCA-listed as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. All Cyclamen contain terpenoid saponins, most concentrated in the tubers and roots. Ingestion causes drooling, vomiting and diarrhoea; large amounts of tuber can trigger heart-rhythm abnormalities and seizures. Keep tubers and dropped seed away from pets. 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 hardy cyclamen.

What should I do if my cat ate hardy 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 hardy cyclamen toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to hardy 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 hardy cyclamen pet-safety