Growli
Let's go

If your cat ate blue tulp — do this now

  1. Take the plant away and clear any pieces from their mouth.
  2. Do not induce vomiting unless told to by a professional.
  3. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 now.

Blue Tulp is toxic to cats (ASPCA).

Pet emergency

My cat ate Blue Tulp — what to do

Step by step

  1. Take blue tulp away and remove any plant material from your cat's mouth so they cannot eat more.
  2. Note roughly how much was eaten and when — this helps the vet judge the risk.
  3. Do NOT induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist tells you to.
  4. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 (a consultation fee may apply) and follow their advice.
  5. Watch for drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or lethargy, and bring a leaf or photo to the appointment.

This is general guidance, not veterinary advice. Pets vary, and a reaction may be to soil, fertiliser, or pesticide as well as the plant. When in doubt, call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435.

My cat ate blue tulp — FAQ

Is blue tulp poisonous to cats?

Yes — the ASPCA lists Blue Tulp (Moraea polystachya) as toxic to cats. Moraea polystachya contains bufadienolide cardiac glycosides (including epoxyscillirosidine and related compounds), which cause acute cardiac glycoside poisoning in animals. Clinical signs include vomiting, diarrhoea, bradycardia or tachycardia, arrhythmia, weakness, and death; the dried plant and incorporated hay are also toxic. This species is notorious as a major livestock poison ('tulp poisoning') in South Africa and is considered dangerous to cats and dogs. Seek emergency veterinary care immediately after any suspected ingestion.

How serious is it if my cat ate blue tulp?

Blue Tulp is toxic to cats and reactions can be significant, so treat any ingestion as urgent. Call your vet or poison control on (888) 426-4435 straight away rather than waiting to see if symptoms develop.

What symptoms should I watch for?

Signs usually appear soon after chewing: drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy. Moraea polystachya contains bufadienolide cardiac glycosides (including epoxyscillirosidine and related compounds), which cause acute cardiac glycoside poisoning in animals. Clinical signs include vomiting, diarrhoea, bradycardia or tachycardia, arrhythmia, weakness, and death; the dried plant and incorporated hay are also toxic. This species is notorious as a major livestock poison ('tulp poisoning') in South Africa and is considered dangerous to cats and dogs. Seek emergency veterinary care immediately after any suspected ingestion. Any worsening or persistent symptoms warrant an immediate vet visit.

Should I make my cat vomit?

No — do not induce vomiting unless a vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center specifically tells you to. The wrong action can make things worse. Call (888) 426-4435 and follow professional advice.

How do I stop this happening again?

Keep blue tulp well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best cats-safe plants list.

Related