Why it is poisonous to cats
Tulips contain substances that irritate the mouth, the stomach and the gut. The leaves and flowers hold less of them and the bulbs are the richest in them, so an eaten bulb is dangerous.
After chewing a leaf or a flower, a cat may drool, vomit or have diarrhoea. If these signs do not stop, or the cat stops eating or becomes dull, contact a vet. If it chewed a bulb, contact a vet straight away, even if it seems well: how much does harm cannot be judged at home.
A cat can find bulbs in the garden when they are being planted, or indoors where they are stored until planting.
What to watch out for
- Chewing a leaf or a flower can bring drooling, vomiting or diarrhoea.
- The bulb is the strongest irritant, so if your cat ate one, contact a vet straight away.
- The cat can become dull and stop eating.
- Tulips sold in bouquets are poisonous too, and a cat can chew them on the table.
Which parts are dangerous
Not every part of the plant is equally dangerous.
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Bulb
DangerousIt is the richest in the irritating substances, so an eaten bulb is dangerous.
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Leaves and flowers
Not safeThey irritate the mouth and stomach, so don't let your cat chew them.
What it can cause
Signs that can appear after eating it. Each page explains what to look out for and when to hurry to a vet.
Safe plants instead
Plants that are safer to keep.