Cats
Potentially toxicConsulted 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
cat safety reference
Is Cyclamen safe for cats?
Cyclamen spp
Cyclamen is a popular flowering tuberous plant known for its upswept petals and patterned foliage. It contains triterpenoid saponins which are concentrated in the roots and can cause significant irritation if ingested by pets.
Cyclamen sppFlorist's CyclamenPersian CyclamenSowbread
- Light
- Bright indirect light
- Habit
- Mounding
- Care
- Moderate
Safety status
What this means for your cat
Cats — toxic. ASPCA classifies cyclamen as toxic to cats; the terpenoid saponins are concentrated in the underground tubers, with smaller amounts throughout the leaves and flowers. Most cats nibble only the leaves or flowers, which usually produces milder GI upset than tuber ingestion.
What to watch for
Drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea after a leaf or flower nibble; loss of appetite and lethargy. With significant tuber ingestion (rare in cats but serious): heart-rhythm abnormalities, weakness, collapse, or seizures.
Time window
Mild GI upset from leaves or flowers usually starts within a few hours of ingestion and resolves in under 24 hours. Onset and duration after tuber ingestion are not well documented in the cited sources.
When to call the vet
Call promptly for vomiting that won't stop, lethargy, or any neurologic sign — staggering, collapse, or seizures. If you saw the cat dig up and chew a tuber, treat it as an emergency and call your vet or ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888-426-4435) right away.
First aid at home
Move the cat away from the plant and wipe out any plant fragments. Per Pet Poison Helpline, you can rinse the mouth with water to reduce irritation and withhold food and water for a few hours so the GI tract can settle. Do not induce vomiting. Call your vet or ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435.
Sources: ASPCA, Pet Poison Helpline.
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
Excessive drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Escalation note
Ingestion of the tubers can lead to more severe reactions including heart rhythm abnormalities or seizures. Contact your veterinarian immediately if ingestion is suspected.
Safer alternatives
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Source evidence
ASPCA Toxic Plant List
toxicology · 99% reliability
Cyclamen contains triterpenoid saponins which can cause irritation and systemic toxicity in pets.
NC State Extension Plant Toolbox
botanical · 94% reliability
Cyclamen persicum is a tuberous perennial that is toxic to dogs and cats.
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