Pet emergency
My cat ate Tassel Grape Hyacinth — what to do
Step by step
- Take tassel grape hyacinth 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 tassel grape hyacinth — FAQ
Is tassel grape hyacinth poisonous to cats?
Yes — the ASPCA lists Tassel Grape Hyacinth (Muscari comosum) as toxic to cats. The ASPCA classifies Muscari as toxic to cats and dogs. Muscari species are listed as non-toxic to cats, dogs, and horses by the ASPCA, with no toxic principles identified. The bulbs of Muscari comosum have a long history of human consumption (as lampascioni in Italian cuisine), further supporting their low-toxicity status. Ingestion of large quantities may cause mild GI upset due to bitter saponin-like compounds, but no serious toxicity is expected in pets.
How serious is it if my cat ate tassel grape hyacinth?
Tassel Grape Hyacinth 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. The ASPCA classifies Muscari as toxic to cats and dogs. Muscari species are listed as non-toxic to cats, dogs, and horses by the ASPCA, with no toxic principles identified. The bulbs of Muscari comosum have a long history of human consumption (as lampascioni in Italian cuisine), further supporting their low-toxicity status. Ingestion of large quantities may cause mild GI upset due to bitter saponin-like compounds, but no serious toxicity is expected in 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 tassel grape hyacinth well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best cats-safe plants list.
Related
- Is tassel grape hyacinth toxic to cats? — full toxicity detail
- Tassel Grape Hyacinth and pets — the complete ASPCA pet-safety guide