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Is Purple Cyclamen toxic to cats?

Cyclamen purpurascens

Toxic to cats

Yes — purple cyclamen 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. All Cyclamen species are listed as toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA. The toxic principles are terpenoid saponins (including cyclamin), which are most concentrated in the tuber. Ingestion can cause salivation, vomiting, and diarrhoea; large amounts, particularly of tubers, can cause heart rhythm abnormalities, seizures, and death.

What to do if your cat ate purple cyclamen

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

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

Is purple cyclamen toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is purple cyclamen toxic to cats?

Yes — purple cyclamen is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. All Cyclamen species are listed as toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA. The toxic principles are terpenoid saponins (including cyclamin), which are most concentrated in the tuber. Ingestion can cause salivation, vomiting, and diarrhoea; large amounts, particularly of tubers, can cause heart rhythm abnormalities, seizures, and death.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats purple cyclamen?

All Cyclamen species are listed as toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA. The toxic principles are terpenoid saponins (including cyclamin), which are most concentrated in the tuber. Ingestion can cause salivation, vomiting, and diarrhoea; large amounts, particularly of tubers, can cause heart rhythm abnormalities, seizures, and death. 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 purple cyclamen.

What should I do if my cat ate purple cyclamen?

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 purple cyclamen toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Purple Cyclamen is toxic to dogs as well. See the full purple cyclamen pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to purple cyclamen?

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 purple cyclamen pet-safety