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Is White Periwinkle toxic to cats?

Vinca minor 'Alba'

Toxic to cats

Yes — white 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 'Alba', as a cultivar of Vinca minor, contains the same vinca alkaloids as the species and is listed as toxic by the ASPCA to dogs and cats. Ingestion can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, low blood pressure, and neurological signs. All parts are toxic; keep away from pets.

What to do if your cat ate white periwinkle

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

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

Is white periwinkle toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is white periwinkle toxic to cats?

Yes — white 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 'Alba', as a cultivar of Vinca minor, contains the same vinca alkaloids as the species and is listed as toxic by the ASPCA to dogs and cats. Ingestion can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, low blood pressure, and neurological signs. All parts are toxic; keep away from pets.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats white periwinkle?

Vinca minor 'Alba', as a cultivar of Vinca minor, contains the same vinca alkaloids as the species and is listed as toxic by the ASPCA to dogs and cats. Ingestion can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, low blood pressure, and neurological signs. All parts are toxic; keep away from pets. 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 white periwinkle.

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

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

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