Are Dahlias Toxic to Cats? Symptoms & What to Do

Mildly toxic

Yes, dahlias are mildly toxic to cats

Dahlias are mildly toxic to cats and dogs. The irritant is unknown, and signs are usually mild and short-lived.

Dahlias and cats: key facts

Toxic to cats?	Mildly toxic
Toxic to dogs?	Mildly toxic
Scientific name	Dahlia spp.
Toxic compound	Unidentified irritant compounds
Toxic parts	All parts
Signs usually start	Usually within a few hours
Plant type	Flower

Symptoms of dahlias poisoning in cats

Mild vomiting and diarrhea
Mild skin irritation (dermatitis)

Why dahlias are toxic to cats

The specific toxin has not been well characterized, but the plant irritates the gut and sometimes the skin.

What to do if your cat ate dahlias

Remove plant pieces from your cat's mouth and move cats away from the plant. Wipe sap or pollen off the fur and paws with a damp cloth.
Call your vet or animal poison control for advice: ASPCA Animal Poison Control: (888) 426-4435 · Pet Poison Helpline: (855) 764-7661.
Identify the plant. Take a photo or bring a piece (or the plant label) to the vet, and estimate how much was eaten and when.
Do not make your cat vomit unless a vet tells you to. Home remedies such as hydrogen peroxide or salt can cause serious harm, and hydrogen peroxide is not safe for cats.
Watch for mild vomiting and diarrhea, mild skin irritation. Go to a vet if signs are severe, last more than a day, or your cat has trouble breathing or swallowing.

Treatment and outlook

Supportive care is usually enough. Call your vet if vomiting or diarrhea lasts more than a day.

How to keep your cat away from dahlias

Place dahlias on high shelves or in hanging planters away from furniture cats can climb, or in a room your cat cannot enter.
Give your cat something better to chew: a pot of cat grass or catnip often distracts cats from houseplants.
Pick up fallen leaves, petals and pollen promptly, and empty vases where pets can reach them.
In the garden, fence off beds, supervise cats that dig, and store bulbs in a closed container before planting.

Pet-safe alternatives to dahlias

If you love flowers, these are listed as non-toxic to cats by the ASPCA:

See the full list of plants safe for cats.

Dahlias and cats: FAQ

Are dahlias poisonous to cats?

Dahlias are mildly toxic to cats. Unidentified irritant compounds can cause mild vomiting and diarrhea and mild skin irritation (dermatitis), but serious poisoning is uncommon.

What part of dahlias is toxic to cats?

All parts.

Can cats die from eating dahlias?

It is very unlikely. Dahlias usually cause mild, short-lived signs. See a vet if signs are severe or your cat has trouble breathing or swallowing.

How long after eating dahlias will my cat show symptoms?

Usually within a few hours.

Are dahlias toxic to dogs too?

Yes, dahlias are mildly toxic to dogs.

Other plants toxic to cats

Sources

Toxicity ratings follow the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center plant lists. Severity depends on the amount eaten, the part of the plant and your cat's size and health. When in doubt, call your vet.

Are Dahlias Toxic to Cats?