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Is Ipomoea batatas 'Blackie' toxic to cats?

Ipomoea batatas 'Blackie'

Toxic to cats

Yes — ipomoea batatas 'blackie' 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 lists Morning Glory (Ipomoea spp.) as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses; ornamental sweet potato vine is Ipomoea batatas and falls under that genus listing. Although the edible crop sweet potato is not individually called out by the ASPCA, the ornamental foliage cultivars are not the food form, so treat 'Blackie' as toxic — the genus carries indole alkaloids and ingestion can cause vomiting and GI upset. Keep pets from chewing the foliage and tubers, and verify with a vet if a pet ingests any.

What to do if your cat ate ipomoea batatas 'blackie'

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

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

Is ipomoea batatas 'blackie' toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is ipomoea batatas 'blackie' toxic to cats?

Yes — ipomoea batatas 'blackie' is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. ASPCA lists Morning Glory (Ipomoea spp.) as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses; ornamental sweet potato vine is Ipomoea batatas and falls under that genus listing. Although the edible crop sweet potato is not individually called out by the ASPCA, the ornamental foliage cultivars are not the food form, so treat 'Blackie' as toxic — the genus carries indole alkaloids and ingestion can cause vomiting and GI upset. Keep pets from chewing the foliage and tubers, and verify with a vet if a pet ingests any.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats ipomoea batatas 'blackie'?

ASPCA lists Morning Glory (Ipomoea spp.) as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses; ornamental sweet potato vine is Ipomoea batatas and falls under that genus listing. Although the edible crop sweet potato is not individually called out by the ASPCA, the ornamental foliage cultivars are not the food form, so treat 'Blackie' as toxic — the genus carries indole alkaloids and ingestion can cause vomiting and GI upset. Keep pets from chewing the foliage and tubers, and verify with a vet if a pet ingests any. 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 ipomoea batatas 'blackie'.

What should I do if my cat ate ipomoea batatas 'blackie'?

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 ipomoea batatas 'blackie' toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Ipomoea batatas 'Blackie' is toxic to dogs as well. See the full ipomoea batatas 'blackie' pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to ipomoea batatas 'blackie'?

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 ipomoea batatas 'blackie' pet-safety