Is Cyclamen Toxic to Cats?

Cyclamen persicum

Cyclamen contains saponins, concentrated in the tuber. A cat that digs in the pot and chews the corm is at real risk; nibbling a leaf usually causes drooling and vomiting rather than a crisis.

It is sold cheaply in supermarkets through autumn and winter, which makes it one of the most common houseplants in cat homes.

Which parts are dangerous

• tuber
• leaves
• flowers
• roots

What to watch for in the UK

• Sold in supermarkets and garden centres from September.
• The tuber sits proud of the compost, easy for a paw to reach.
• Fallen leaves on the floor are a common snack.
• Deadhead away from the cat and wash your hands.

If your cat has already chewed it

1. Phone your vet and say whether the tuber was chewed.
2. Take the plant or a photo.
3. Watch for vomiting, drooling and wobbliness.

Take a photo of the plant, and a cutting if you can do it safely — identification is half of the vet's decision. Out of hours, use your practice's emergency number. This page explains risk; it cannot diagnose your cat and it contains no home treatments.

If your cat has vomited after eating a plant, see the cat vomiting guide and, if there is blood, vomiting blood. For a general red-flag checklist, use sick cat symptoms. If the worry is food rather than a plant, the can cats eat guide covers 36 everyday foods.

Related plants

Browse the full UK plant checklist (72 plants).