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If your cat ate tiger flower — 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.

Tiger Flower is mildly toxic to cats (ASPCA).

Pet emergency

My cat ate Tiger Flower — what to do

Step by step

  1. Take tiger flower 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 tiger flower — FAQ

Is tiger flower poisonous to cats?

Yes — the ASPCA lists Tiger Flower (Tigridia pavonia) as mildly toxic to cats. Tigridia pavonia is not listed by the ASPCA as toxic to cats or dogs, and multiple horticultural sources including the BBC Gardeners' World and Gardenia.net state it has no toxic effects reported. The bulbs were historically consumed by the Aztecs. However, as a member of Iridaceae — a family that does include toxic genera — and in the absence of a formal ASPCA non-toxic listing, a cautious mildly-toxic classification is applied here. Discourage pets from chewing the plant; consult a vet if substantial ingestion occurs.

How serious is it if my cat ate tiger flower?

Tiger Flower 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. Tigridia pavonia is not listed by the ASPCA as toxic to cats or dogs, and multiple horticultural sources including the BBC Gardeners' World and Gardenia.net state it has no toxic effects reported. The bulbs were historically consumed by the Aztecs. However, as a member of Iridaceae — a family that does include toxic genera — and in the absence of a formal ASPCA non-toxic listing, a cautious mildly-toxic classification is applied here. Discourage pets from chewing the plant; consult a vet if substantial ingestion occurs. 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 tiger flower well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best cats-safe plants list.

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