Plant safety hub

Is Madagascar Periwinkle toxic to dogs and cats?

DogsTOXIC
CatsTOXIC

How serious is Madagascar Periwinkle for pets?

SEVERE Plant Doctor's data flags Madagascar Periwinkle as one of its most serious plants for pets. Treat any suspected ingestion as an emergency and call your vet or ASPCA Animal Poison Control at 888-426-4435.

SEVERE: contains vinca alkaloids, the same class of compound used in chemotherapy drugs like vincristine. Can cause vomiting, diarrhea, low blood pressure, tremors, seizures, coma, and death. Treat any suspected ingestion as an emergency vet visit.

Catharanthus roseus
Also called: Vinca, Annual Vinca, and Rose Periwinkle.

What makes it toxic

Vinca alkaloids.

Source: ASPCA Animal Poison Control

Symptoms to watch for

Source: ASPCA Animal Poison Control

What to do if your pet chewed it

  1. Move the plant out of reach so they cannot take another bite.
  2. If your pet is alert, gently rinse their mouth and offer a little water.
  3. Call your vet or ASPCA Animal Poison Control at 888-426-4435, especially if you see drooling, vomiting, swelling, or lethargy.

Pet-safe swaps

The same green look without the toxicity worry. Each of these is non-toxic to both dogs and cats in our data.

As an Amazon Associate, Plant Doctor earns from qualifying purchases. Affiliate links cost you nothing and keep Plant Doctor free.

Plant Doctor is free. If it helped, you can

Buy Apollo a treat

Quick answers about Madagascar Periwinkle

Is Madagascar Periwinkle toxic to cats?

Yes, Madagascar Periwinkle is toxic to cats. See all 127 plants toxic to cats.

Is Madagascar Periwinkle toxic to dogs?

Yes, Madagascar Periwinkle is toxic to dogs. See all 124 plants toxic to dogs.

What is Madagascar Periwinkle also called?

Madagascar Periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus) is also called Vinca, Annual Vinca, and Rose Periwinkle.

More plant lists

Not sure this is the plant you have? Scan it.

Scan your plant

Similar plants

Always confirm with a veterinarian or ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888-426-4435) before assuming safety. This is a household reference, not a substitute for professional guidance in a suspected poisoning.

· Source: ASPCA Animal Poison Control.

Keep your pets comfortable at home

The family behind Plant Doctor also runs a small pet shop for calm-home basics: beds, calming chews, and enrichment toys.

Browse Apollo's Corner

Every visit helps keep Plant Doctor free.