Are Hyacinths Toxic to Cats? Symptoms & What to Do

Mildly toxic

Yes, hyacinths are mildly toxic to cats

Hyacinths are close relatives of tulips and contain similar allergenic lactones. The flowers usually cause mild upset, while dogs that dig up bulbs can become much sicker.

Hyacinths and cats: key facts

Toxic to cats?	Mildly toxic
Toxic to dogs?	Mildly toxic
Scientific name	Hyacinthus orientalis
Also called	common hyacinth
Toxic compound	Allergenic lactones (tulipalin A and B) and alkaloids
Toxic parts	All parts; the bulb is the most toxic
Signs usually start	Usually within a few hours
Plant type	Flower

Symptoms of hyacinths poisoning in cats

Vomiting
Diarrhea, sometimes with blood
Drooling
Depression
With large bulb ingestion: tremors and breathing changes

Why hyacinths are toxic to cats

These compounds irritate the mouth, esophagus and stomach. They are concentrated in the bulb, so a pet that nibbles petals usually has mild signs, while a dog that eats bulbs can get severe vomiting, a fast heart rate and breathing changes. Whole bulbs can also cause a blockage.

What to do if your cat ate hyacinths

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 vomiting, diarrhea, sometimes with blood, drooling. Go to a vet if signs are severe, last more than a day, or your cat has trouble breathing or swallowing.

Treatment and outlook

For petals or leaves, supportive care is usually enough. After bulb ingestion, a vet may induce vomiting, give fluids and anti-nausea medicine, and monitor heart rate and breathing.

How to keep your cat away from hyacinths

Place hyacinths 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 hyacinths

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

See the full list of plants safe for cats.

Hyacinths and cats: FAQ

Are hyacinths poisonous to cats?

Hyacinths are mildly toxic to cats. Allergenic lactones (tulipalin A and B) and alkaloids can cause vomiting and diarrhea, sometimes with blood, but serious poisoning is uncommon.

What part of hyacinths is toxic to cats?

All parts; the bulb is the most toxic.

Can cats die from eating hyacinths?

It is very unlikely. Hyacinths 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 hyacinths will my cat show symptoms?

Usually within a few hours.

Are hyacinths toxic to dogs too?

Yes, hyacinths 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 Hyacinths Toxic to Cats?