What should I do if my cat ate Madagascar Periwinkle?

Remove any plant fragments from your cat's mouth and gently wipe the gums with a damp cloth, then call ASPCA APCC or your vet. Do not try to induce vomiting at home. Call your vet or ASPCA Animal Poison Control (1-888-426-4435) the moment you confirm ingestion, even if your cat seems fine. Go in immediately for tremors, seizures, severe lethargy, pale or bluish gums, or any signs of weakness.

What should I do if my dog ate Madagascar Periwinkle?

Remove plant material from your dog's mouth and collect a leaf or two so the vet can confirm the species. Call Pet Poison Helpline before driving in. Do not induce vomiting unless directed. Call Pet Poison Helpline (1-800-213-6680) or your vet as soon as you suspect ingestion. Bring the dog in immediately for any neurological signs — tremors, ataxia, seizures — or for repeated vomiting that doesn't settle within an hour or two.

Madagascar Periwinkle — (c) Louis Aureglia, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Louis Aureglia — Photo by (c) Louis Aureglia, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Louis AuregliaiNaturalistCC BY

Photo by (c) Louis Aureglia, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Louis AuregliaiNaturalistCC BY

Pet safety reference

Madagascar Periwinkle

Q: Is Madagascar Periwinkle safe for cats?

Madagascar Periwinkle is potentially toxic to cats. Ingestion can lead to significant gastrointestinal distress and systemic effects due to the presence of vinca alkaloids. Please contact your veterinarian immediately if ingestion is suspected.

Q: Is Madagascar Periwinkle safe for dogs?

Madagascar Periwinkle is potentially toxic to dogs. The plant contains toxic alkaloids that can cause serious illness if consumed. Seek veterinary care promptly if your dog has ingested any part of this plant.

Catharanthus roseus

Catharanthus roseus is a flowering plant known for its vibrant blooms, but it contains alkaloids that are harmful if ingested by pets. It is commonly grown as an annual bedding plant or a container specimen.

Check a list

Catharanthus roseusMadagascar periwinkleRose periwinkleVinca rosea

Light: Full sun to partial shade
Habit: Mounded or trailing
Care: Low

Safety status

Cats & Dogs

Potentially toxic

Consulted references classify the plant as toxic or irritating for that pet type.

Verified against ASPCA/provenance audit 2026-05-06 on May 6, 2026.

Sources

ASPCA Toxic Plant List

If a pet has chewed or swallowed plant material and is showing symptoms, contact a veterinarian or poison resource immediately. This product is for structured reference, not diagnosis.

Cats — concern notes

Common signs

Vomiting, diarrhea, depression, and potential cardiovascular issues.

Escalation note

Ingestion can lead to significant gastrointestinal distress and systemic effects due to the presence of vinca alkaloids. Please contact your veterinarian immediately if ingestion is suspected.

Dogs — concern notes

Common signs

Vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and potential tremors or ataxia.

Escalation note

The plant contains toxic alkaloids that can cause serious illness if consumed. Seek veterinary care promptly if your dog has ingested any part of this plant.

Safer alternatives

No hand-picked alternatives for this plant yet. You can still pick your own using the Compare button on any other plant.

Source evidence

ASPCA Toxic Plant List

toxicology · 99% reliability

Open source

Periwinkle contains alkaloids that can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and depression in pets.

NC State Extension Plant Toolbox

botanical · 94% reliability

Open source

Catharanthus roseus is a tender perennial often grown as an annual, noted for its toxicity if ingested.

cats safety page My cat ate Madagascar Periwinkle dogs safety page My dog ate Madagascar Periwinkle

Same safety verdict

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Geranium

Pelargonium species

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Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.

Monstera

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Snake Plant

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Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.

Philodendron

Philodendron spp.

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Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.

Same growing conditions

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Salad Burnet

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Generally safe for cats & dogs.