Is Tulip toxic to cats?
Tulips are toxic to cats (S2 Irritant): tulipalin A and B cause vomiting, drooling, and diarrhea, and the bulb — where the toxin is most concentrated — can cause persistent gastrointestinal distress and lethargy.
- TOXINtulipalin A, tulipalin B
- WHAT TO EXPECTvomiting; depression; diarrhea
- CALL THE VETCall your vet promptly for any bulb ingestion, or if vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy persists or worsens after chewing petals or leaves.
Symptoms
| SIGN |
|---|
| vomiting |
| depression |
| diarrhea |
| hypersalivation (drooling) |
| persistent gastrointestinal distress and lethargy (bulb ingestion) |
If your cat just ate it
Safe swaps, graded S0
Graded S0 for cats. Same-shape matches are coming as the index grows.
Care at a glance
FAQ
Are cut tulips in a vase dangerous for my cat?
A nibble on the flowers or leaves is the mild end of tulip toxicity: per Pet Poison Helpline, "pet ingestion of small amounts of leaves, stems or flowers may result in mild nausea with vomiting." The toxin (tulipalin) is concentrated elsewhere — the bulb — so a vase arrangement is a lower-stakes exposure than a planted bulb. Still move the vase out of reach, and call your vet if vomiting or diarrhea persists or worsens.
Why are tulip bulbs the most dangerous part?
Because that's where the toxin concentrates: the ASPCA notes the "highest concentration of toxin in bulb," and Pet Poison Helpline warns that "consumption of bulb material poses risk for persistent gastrointestinal distress (e.g., vomiting, loss of appetite, diarrhea, drooling) and lethargy." The real-world scenario is planting season — a cat or dog digging up loose bulbs. Store unplanted bulbs where pets can't reach them, and call your vet promptly for any bulb ingestion.