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Is Illumination Periwinkle toxic to cats?

Vinca minor 'Illumination'

Toxic to cats

Yes — illumination 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. As a cultivar of Vinca minor, Illumination contains the same vinca alkaloids and is considered toxic to dogs and cats per ASPCA guidance on Vinca minor. Symptoms of ingestion include vomiting, diarrhoea, hypotension, and neurological effects. All parts of the plant are toxic; keep away from pets.

What to do if your cat ate illumination periwinkle

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

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

Is illumination periwinkle toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is illumination periwinkle toxic to cats?

Yes — illumination periwinkle is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. As a cultivar of Vinca minor, Illumination contains the same vinca alkaloids and is considered toxic to dogs and cats per ASPCA guidance on Vinca minor. Symptoms of ingestion include vomiting, diarrhoea, hypotension, and neurological effects. All parts of the plant are toxic; keep away from pets.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats illumination periwinkle?

As a cultivar of Vinca minor, Illumination contains the same vinca alkaloids and is considered toxic to dogs and cats per ASPCA guidance on Vinca minor. Symptoms of ingestion include vomiting, diarrhoea, hypotension, and neurological effects. All parts of the plant are toxic; keep 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 illumination periwinkle.

What should I do if my cat ate illumination 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 illumination periwinkle toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to illumination 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 illumination periwinkle pet-safety