Is Ipomoea purpurea toxic to cats?

Yes — ipomoea purpurea 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. The toxic principles are indole alkaloids (lysergic acid, lysergamide, elymoclavine, chanoclavine); signs include vomiting, and large quantities of seeds can cause hallucinations and disorientation. The seeds are the most concentrated part — keep pets away.

ASPCA lists Morning Glory (Ipomoea spp.) as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. The toxic principles are indole alkaloids (lysergic acid, lysergamide, elymoclavine, chanoclavine); signs include vomiting, and large quantities of seeds can cause hallucinations and disorientation. The seeds are the most concentrated part — keep pets away. 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 purpurea.

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 in the US, or Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509 000 in the UK and follow their advice; a leaf or photo helps the vet treat it correctly.

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

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.