Is Periwinkle Toxic to Cats?
Also known as: Vinca, Madagascar Periwinkle, Catharanthus roseus · Catharanthus roseus
What makes it toxic
Indole alkaloids including vincristine and vinblastine precursors in the leaves, stems and flowers. They disrupt cell division and nerve signaling; garden amounts cause milder effects than pharmaceutical doses.
Warning signs to watch for
Drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy and low blood pressure within hours. Larger ingestions can cause tremors, incoordination and seizures.
What to do if your cat eats it
Remove plant material, estimate the amount eaten and call your vet promptly. Tremors, wobbliness or collapse is an emergency clinic situation.
Common questions
Is vinca the same as periwinkle?
Yes — Catharanthus roseus was long called Vinca rosea, and both annual vinca and trailing vinca (Vinca minor and major) contain the alkaloids.
If vincristine is a medicine, why is the plant dangerous?
Pharmaceutical alkaloids are purified and dosed to the microgram under supervision. A pet chewing the raw plant gets an uncontrolled dose with unpredictable effects.
Is it safe to grow in a hanging basket?
Out of a cat’s reach it is a low-practical-risk choice, but fallen stems and leaves still land somewhere. Non-toxic bedding plants are the simpler answer.
More plants checked for cats
This page is general educational information, not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. Every pet is different — if your animal ate something concerning, contact your veterinarian or a pet poison hotline right away. Checking what your pet can eat? Visit our sister site SafeOrToxic.