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Pet safety

Is Variegated Greater Periwinkle toxic to cats?

Vinca major 'Variegata'

Toxic to cats

Yes — variegated greater 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. As a Vinca major cultivar, 'Variegata' contains the same vinca alkaloids as the species and is toxic to dogs, cats, and horses per ASPCA guidance on Vinca species. Signs of ingestion include vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy, hypotension, and neurological symptoms. All parts are toxic.

What to do if your cat ate variegated greater periwinkle

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

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

Is variegated greater periwinkle toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is variegated greater periwinkle toxic to cats?

Yes — variegated greater periwinkle is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. As a Vinca major cultivar, 'Variegata' contains the same vinca alkaloids as the species and is toxic to dogs, cats, and horses per ASPCA guidance on Vinca species. Signs of ingestion include vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy, hypotension, and neurological symptoms. All parts are toxic.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats variegated greater periwinkle?

As a Vinca major cultivar, 'Variegata' contains the same vinca alkaloids as the species and is toxic to dogs, cats, and horses per ASPCA guidance on Vinca species. Signs of ingestion include vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy, hypotension, and neurological symptoms. All parts are toxic. 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 variegated greater periwinkle.

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

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to variegated greater 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 variegated greater periwinkle pet-safety