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Is Lesser Periwinkle toxic to cats?

Vinca minor

Toxic to cats

Yes — lesser 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. Vinca minor is listed as toxic by the ASPCA to both dogs and cats. The plant contains vinca alkaloids (vincamine, vinblastine-related compounds) that can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, low blood pressure, neurological signs, and tremors. All parts of the plant are considered toxic. Keep away from pets and supervise grazing animals.

What to do if your cat ate lesser periwinkle

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

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

Is lesser periwinkle toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is lesser periwinkle toxic to cats?

Yes — lesser periwinkle is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Vinca minor is listed as toxic by the ASPCA to both dogs and cats. The plant contains vinca alkaloids (vincamine, vinblastine-related compounds) that can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, low blood pressure, neurological signs, and tremors. All parts of the plant are considered toxic. Keep away from pets and supervise grazing animals.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats lesser periwinkle?

Vinca minor is listed as toxic by the ASPCA to both dogs and cats. The plant contains vinca alkaloids (vincamine, vinblastine-related compounds) that can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, low blood pressure, neurological signs, and tremors. All parts of the plant are considered toxic. Keep away from pets and supervise grazing animals. 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 lesser periwinkle.

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

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

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