Pet emergency
My cat ate Crown Brodiaea — what to do
Step by step
- Take crown brodiaea away and remove any plant material from your cat's mouth so they cannot eat more.
- Note roughly how much was eaten and when — this helps the vet judge the risk.
- Do NOT induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist tells you to.
- Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 (a consultation fee may apply) and follow their advice.
- 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 crown brodiaea — FAQ
Is crown brodiaea poisonous to cats?
Yes — the ASPCA lists Crown Brodiaea (Brodiaea coronaria) as mildly toxic to cats. Brodiaea coronaria is not specifically listed on the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant database. The edible corms were a traditional food for Indigenous peoples, and the above-ground parts are not considered highly hazardous to humans. However, ASPCA coverage is incomplete for this genus and some related Brodiaea species have been noted to cause mild gastrointestinal upset in cats. Treat as mildly toxic until confirmed otherwise, and consult a vet if a pet ingests any part.
How serious is it if my cat ate crown brodiaea?
Crown Brodiaea is mildly toxic, so most cats get short-lived mouth irritation, drooling, and vomiting rather than a life-threatening reaction. It is still worth a vet call to be safe, especially if your cat ate a lot or symptoms persist.
What symptoms should I watch for?
Signs usually appear soon after chewing: drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy. Brodiaea coronaria is not specifically listed on the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant database. The edible corms were a traditional food for Indigenous peoples, and the above-ground parts are not considered highly hazardous to humans. However, ASPCA coverage is incomplete for this genus and some related Brodiaea species have been noted to cause mild gastrointestinal upset in cats. Treat as mildly toxic until confirmed otherwise, and consult a vet if a pet ingests any part. 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 crown brodiaea well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best cats-safe plants list.
Related
- Is crown brodiaea toxic to cats? — full toxicity detail
- Crown Brodiaea and pets — the complete ASPCA pet-safety guide