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Is Ipomoea purpurea toxic to cats?

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. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List. 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.

What to do if your cat ate ipomoea purpurea

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

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

Is ipomoea purpurea toxic to cats? — FAQ

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.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats ipomoea purpurea?

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.

What should I do if my cat ate 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 and follow their advice; a leaf or photo helps the vet treat it correctly.

Is ipomoea purpurea toxic to dogs too?

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.

What is a cat-safe alternative to ipomoea purpurea?

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 purpurea pet-safety