Safety verdict
Consulted references classify the plant as toxic or irritating for that pet type.
Pet ingestion lookup
My cat ate Morning Glory - what should I do?
Ipomoea spp.
Potentially toxic
Contact your veterinarian or an animal poison-control resource now, especially if any amount was chewed or swallowed.
Verified against ASPCA/provenance audit 2026-05-06 on May 6, 2026.
Signs to watch for
Vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and potential neurological signs such as tremors or disorientation.
Escalation note
Ingestion of seeds or plant material can lead to gastrointestinal upset. Please contact your veterinarian or a pet poison control center immediately if you suspect your cat has ingested any part of this plant.
First aid at home
Remove your cat from the plant and take any leaves or seeds out of the mouth. Do NOT induce vomiting unless explicitly told to by a vet or Pet Poison Helpline — bring any seeds, leaves, or a photo of the plant to the clinic to confirm species.
What to watch for
Foliage exposure: mild vomiting and diarrhea. Seed exposure (much more concerning): hallucinations, agitation, incoordination, tremors, and disorientation in addition to GI signs. Watch for behavioral changes — pupillary dilation, hiding, vocalizing, or obvious disorientation.
Time window
ASPCA does not give specific timing. Pet Poison Helpline indicates GI signs from foliage are usually short-lived; neurological signs from seed ingestion can take several hours to peak and may persist 12–24 hours. Exact timing not well documented.
When to call the vet
Call your vet or ASPCA APCC (888-426-4435) any time your cat eats morning glory seeds, regardless of amount. For foliage, call if vomiting is repeated or if you see any neurological signs (tremors, unsteadiness, abnormal behavior). Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661) is also available 24/7.
What this means for your cat
Cats should not chew on morning glory plants — and the seeds are the bigger problem. ASPCA lists Ipomoea spp. as toxic, with indole alkaloids (lysergic acid, lysergamide, elymoclavine, and chanoclavine) as the toxic principles. Foliage ingestion typically causes only mild GI upset, but a cat that eats a handful of seeds can show neurological signs.
Sources: ASPCA, Pet Poison Helpline.
Poison-control resources
This page summarizes source-bound plant-safety information and is not veterinary advice.