Pet emergency
My cat ate Painted Lady Gladiolus — what to do
Step by step
- Take painted lady gladiolus 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 painted lady gladiolus — FAQ
Is painted lady gladiolus poisonous to cats?
Yes — the ASPCA lists Painted Lady Gladiolus (Gladiolus carneus) as toxic to cats. All Gladiolus species, including G. carneus, are listed as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses by the ASPCA. Corms are the most toxic part. Signs of ingestion include vomiting, drooling, lethargy, and diarrhea. Keep out of reach of pets.
How serious is it if my cat ate painted lady gladiolus?
Painted Lady Gladiolus 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. All Gladiolus species, including G. carneus, are listed as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses by the ASPCA. Corms are the most toxic part. Signs of ingestion include vomiting, drooling, lethargy, and diarrhea. Keep out of reach of pets. 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 painted lady gladiolus well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best cats-safe plants list.
Related
- Is painted lady gladiolus toxic to cats? — full toxicity detail
- Painted Lady Gladiolus and pets — the complete ASPCA pet-safety guide