Running myrtle, also known as periwinkle or Vinca minor, is a flowering plant that can be highly toxic to cats if ingested. This evergreen trailing vine is commonly found as a groundcover in gardens and contains vinca alkaloids that are poisonous to felines. Ingesting even small amounts of running myrtle can cause serious harm to your cat.
Ingestion may cause mild gastrointestinal upset, but is generally not life-threatening.
Ingestion can result in mild symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, or drooling. Rarely fatal but may require veterinary care.
Eating these plants can lead to more pronounced symptoms like abdominal pain, lethargy, or difficulty breathing. Veterinary intervention may be necessary.
Ingesting even small amounts can cause severe symptoms like organ damage, seizures, or cardiac failure without rapid treatment.
All parts of these plants are extremely poisonous to cats and can quickly lead to death, even with immediate veterinary care.
** Please note: Please note that toxicity level can vary based on the amount ingested and the specific cat. It's always best to keep these plants completely inaccessible to cats and seek immediate veterinary care or call the poison hotline if you suspect your cat has ingested any part of a toxic plant.
If your cat has ingested any part of a running myrtle plant, watch for these symptoms of toxicity:
Symptoms usually appear within 2 hours of ingestion and can quickly become life-threatening. Seek immediate veterinary care if you suspect your cat has eaten this plant.
Your veterinarian will perform the following steps to diagnose running myrtle toxicity in your cat:
Identifying the ingested plant is key to proper diagnosis and treatment. If possible, bring a sample of the running myrtle with you to the vet.
A: Yes, the Running Myrtle plant (also known as Vinca or Periwinkle) is harmful to cats. It contains toxic compounds that can cause symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy if ingested.
A: Symptoms of Running Myrtle poisoning in cats include vomiting, low blood pressure, and loss of coordination. If your cat displays these signs, seek veterinary care immediately.
A: The Running Myrtle plant is moderately toxic to pets, including cats and dogs. Ingestion can lead to significant discomfort and may require prompt veterinary attention to prevent further complications.
A: Cats can recover from Running Myrtle poisoning with timely veterinary care. Early intervention is crucial to ensure a smooth recovery and prevent serious health issues.
A: It is not safe to grow a Running Myrtle plant in a garden with cats due to its toxic properties. Consider non-toxic alternatives like bamboo or Boston ferns to protect your pets.
A: If your cat ingests the Running Myrtle plant, contact your veterinarian immediately. Quick action is necessary to manage symptoms and prevent severe complications.
Vinca minor is native to central and southern Europe, from Portugal and France to the Baltic states. It was brought to the United States in the late 18th century and has been widely cultivated as an ornamental groundcover since then. The plant gets its common name “running myrtle” from its low, spreading growth habit.
While an attractive evergreen, running myrtle has escaped gardens and become invasive in some areas. It contains vinca alkaloids that have medicinal uses but are toxic to animals. Certain alkaloids from running myrtle are even used to make chemotherapy drugs.
Please note: The information shared in this post is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as veterinary medical advice.
