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If your cat ate pretty crocus — 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 now. If you cannot reach one, a poison-control line will triage you — ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 in the US, or Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509 000 in the UK. Both services charge a fee.

Pretty Crocus is mildly toxic to cats (ASPCA).

Pet emergency

My cat ate Pretty Crocus — what to do

Step by step

  1. Take pretty crocus 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 a poison-control line — (888) 426-4435 in the US, or Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509 000 in the UK. Both charge a consultation fee. 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 in the US, or Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509 000 in the UK.

My cat ate pretty crocus — FAQ

Is pretty crocus poisonous to cats?

Yes — Pretty Crocus (Crocus pulchellus) is regarded as mildly toxic to cats, based on genus- and family-level toxicity data. A true Crocus (Iridaceae). Ingestion by cats or dogs causes mild gastrointestinal signs (drooling, vomiting, diarrhea) per Pet Poison Helpline's assessment of Crocus spp. ASPCA does not individually list C. pulchellus. It is not the severely toxic Colchicum autumnale, though both are sometimes called 'autumn crocus' — true Crocus has 3 stamens; Colchicum has 6.

How serious is it if my cat ate pretty crocus?

Pretty Crocus 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. A true Crocus (Iridaceae). Ingestion by cats or dogs causes mild gastrointestinal signs (drooling, vomiting, diarrhea) per Pet Poison Helpline's assessment of Crocus spp. ASPCA does not individually list C. pulchellus. It is not the severely toxic Colchicum autumnale, though both are sometimes called 'autumn crocus' — true Crocus has 3 stamens; Colchicum has 6. 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 a poison-control specialist specifically tells you to. The wrong action can make things worse. Call your vet, or (888) 426-4435 in the US, or Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509 000 in the UK, and follow professional advice.

How do I stop this happening again?

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

Type any plant to see what the ASPCA says about it and your cat.

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