Are Tulips Toxic to Cats? Symptoms & What to Do

Mildly toxic

Yes, tulips are mildly toxic to cats

Tulips contain allergenic lactones (tulipalin A and B). Nibbling petals or leaves usually causes only mild stomach upset, but the bulbs hold the highest concentration. Dogs that dig up and eat bulbs are at the most risk.

Tulips and cats: key facts

Toxic to cats?	Mildly toxic
Toxic to dogs?	Mildly toxic
Scientific name	Tulipa spp.
Toxic compound	Allergenic lactones (tulipalin A and B) and alkaloids
Toxic parts	All parts; the bulb is by far the most toxic
Signs usually start	Usually within a few hours
Plant type	Flower

Symptoms of tulips poisoning in cats

Vomiting
Drooling
Diarrhea
Depression or lethargy
With large bulb ingestion: faster heart rate and breathing changes

Why tulips 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 tulips

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, drooling, diarrhea. 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 tulips

Place tulips 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 tulips

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

See the full list of plants safe for cats.

Tulips and cats: FAQ

Are tulips poisonous to cats?

Tulips are mildly toxic to cats. Allergenic lactones (tulipalin A and B) and alkaloids can cause vomiting and drooling, but serious poisoning is uncommon.

What part of tulips is toxic to cats?

All parts; the bulb is by far the most toxic.

Can cats die from eating tulips?

It is very unlikely. Tulips 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 tulips will my cat show symptoms?

Usually within a few hours.

Are tulips toxic to dogs too?

Yes, tulips are mildly toxic to dogs.

Are tulip bulbs more dangerous than the flowers?

Yes. Bulbs hold the most toxin. Eating whole bulbs can cause severe vomiting, a fast heart rate and breathing changes, and can also cause an intestinal blockage in small pets.

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 Tulips Toxic to Cats?