What are the symptoms if a cat eats Madagascar Periwinkle?

Pharyngeal (throat) pain, abdominal pain, severe diarrhea, and dehydration, Peripheral nerve damage, Bone marrow suppression (depression), Cardiovascular damage

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✕ Toxic

Madagascar Periwinkle

Q: Is Madagascar Periwinkle toxic to cats?

Warning: Toxic. Madagascar Periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus) is a common flowering plant that is extremely dangerous to cats. It contains vinca alkaloids, the exact same powerful chemicals used in chemotherapy to treat cancer in humans. Every part of this plant is toxic, and even small amounts can cause life-threatening illness. When swallowed, these chemicals stop cells from dividing normally. This damages tissues that rely on quick cell growth, such as the lining of the stomach and the bone marrow. The toxins also act as severe irritants to the digestive tract and can cause serious damage to the nervous system and heart. A poisoned cat may experience severe stomach pain, vomiting, diarrhea, and weakness. Over several days, they may develop nerve issues like tremors or dangerous drops in their blood cell counts. This plant is as dangerous as strong medical drugs. If you suspect your cat has eaten any part of it, this is a critical emergency—contact a veterinarian immediately.

Catharanthus reseus

Madagascar Periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus) is a common flowering plant that is extremely dangerous to cats. It contains vinca alkaloids, the exact same powerful chemicals used in chemotherapy to treat cancer in humans. Every part of this plant is toxic, and even small amounts can cause life-threatening illness. When swallowed, these chemicals stop cells from dividing normally. This damages tissues that rely on quick cell growth, such as the lining of the stomach and the bone marrow. The toxins also act as severe irritants to the digestive tract and can cause serious damage to the nervous system and heart. A poisoned cat may experience severe stomach pain, vomiting, diarrhea, and weakness. Over several days, they may develop nerve issues like tremors or dangerous drops in their blood cell counts. This plant is as dangerous as strong medical drugs. If you suspect your cat has eaten any part of it, this is a critical emergency—contact a veterinarian immediately.

Important Notes

Toxic compounds: vinca alkaloids — vincristine, vinblastine, vinorelbine; all parts of the plant are toxic

Mechanism: vinca alkaloids inhibit cell division by binding to tubulin, disrupting the mitotic spindle; this damages rapidly dividing cells including bone marrow and GI epithelium

Symptoms: vomiting, diarrhea, severe weakness, low blood pressure, neurological signs (tremors, seizures); bone marrow suppression may develop over days

Despite its cheerful appearance, this plant is as dangerous as chemotherapy agents

Any suspected ingestion is a veterinary emergency

Potentially Toxic Parts

Entire Plant

Possible Symptoms Reported in Cats

Pharyngeal (throat) pain, abdominal pain, severe diarrhea, and dehydration

Gastrointestinal

Peripheral nerve damage

Gastrointestinal

Bone marrow suppression (depression)

Gastrointestinal

Cardiovascular damage

Cardiac

Disclaimer: This summary was compiled from multiple sources and is for informational use only. It is not a diagnosis or treatment plan. Toxicity can vary based on the substance, amount, plant part, and individual cat. If you think your cat may have been exposed to a toxic substance, contact a veterinarian right away.