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Is Spring Cyclamen toxic to cats?

Cyclamen coum

Toxic to cats

Yes — spring 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. ASPCA-listed as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. Like all Cyclamen it contains terpenoid saponins, concentrated in the tuber and roots. Ingestion causes salivation, vomiting and diarrhoea; consuming large amounts of tuber can cause abnormal heart rhythm, seizures and, rarely, death. Keep tubers out of pets' reach.

What to do if your cat ate spring cyclamen

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

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

Is spring cyclamen toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is spring cyclamen toxic to cats?

Yes — spring cyclamen is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. ASPCA-listed as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. Like all Cyclamen it contains terpenoid saponins, concentrated in the tuber and roots. Ingestion causes salivation, vomiting and diarrhoea; consuming large amounts of tuber can cause abnormal heart rhythm, seizures and, rarely, death. Keep tubers out of pets' reach.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats spring cyclamen?

ASPCA-listed as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. Like all Cyclamen it contains terpenoid saponins, concentrated in the tuber and roots. Ingestion causes salivation, vomiting and diarrhoea; consuming large amounts of tuber can cause abnormal heart rhythm, seizures and, rarely, death. Keep tubers out of pets' reach. 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 spring cyclamen.

What should I do if my cat ate spring 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 spring cyclamen toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to spring 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 spring cyclamen pet-safety