Pet safety
Is Iris 'Katharine Hodgkin'toxic to cats & dogs?
Iris 'Katharine Hodgkin'
Quick verdict — at a glance
- Toxic to cats?
- Yes — toxic
- Toxic to dogs?
- Yes — toxic
- ASPCA classification
- Toxic to pets · botanical name Iris 'Katharine Hodgkin'
Is iris 'katharine hodgkin' safe for cats and dogs?
Toxic — the ASPCA lists iris 'katharine hodgkin' as a clear no for cats and dogs. The painful part for the pet is usually quick and intense; the right move is to keep it out of any room a pet roams unsupervised. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List, the most widely used reference for companion-animal plant safety in the US and the standard most UK vets cite as well. ASPCA lists Iris species as toxic to cats and dogs. The bulbs hold the strongest concentration of irritant terpenoids and glycosides (irisin, iridin), causing drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea and irritation. Keep bulbs out of reach when planting or storing.
| Pet | Toxic? | Per ASPCA |
|---|---|---|
| Cats | Yes | Toxic to pets |
| Dogs | Yes | Toxic to pets |
What happens if a pet eats iris 'katharine hodgkin'?
ASPCA lists Iris species as toxic to cats and dogs. The bulbs hold the strongest concentration of irritant terpenoids and glycosides (irisin, iridin), causing drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea and irritation. Keep bulbs out of reach when planting or storing. Signs usually appear soon after chewing rather than hours later. If you see drooling, pawing at the mouth, head-shaking, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy after your pet has had access to iris 'katharine hodgkin', treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What to do if your pet ate iris 'katharine hodgkin'
- Remove any plant material from your pet's mouth and move iris 'katharine hodgkin' out of reach.
- Note how much was eaten and when, and watch for drooling, vomiting, or lethargy.
- Do not induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist instructs you to.
- Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice.
- Bring a leaf or photo of iris 'katharine hodgkin' to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.
This page is general guidance, not veterinary advice. Pets vary, and a reaction may be to soil, fertiliser, or pesticide rather than the plant. If you are worried, always contact a vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 — do not wait for symptoms to worsen.
Pet-safe alternatives to iris 'katharine hodgkin'
Want the same look without the risk? These plants are listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA and have similar care needs:
- Hoya — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- Bromeliad — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- Christmas cactus — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- African violet — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
Iris 'Katharine Hodgkin' and pets — frequently asked questions
Is iris 'katharine hodgkin' toxic to cats?
Iris 'Katharine Hodgkin' (Iris 'Katharine Hodgkin') is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. ASPCA lists Iris species as toxic to cats and dogs. The bulbs hold the strongest concentration of irritant terpenoids and glycosides (irisin, iridin), causing drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea and irritation. Keep bulbs out of reach when planting or storing. Keep it out of reach and contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 if your cat chews it.
Is iris 'katharine hodgkin' toxic to dogs?
Per the ASPCA, Iris 'Katharine Hodgkin' (Iris 'Katharine Hodgkin') is toxic to dogs. Dogs often chew more enthusiastically than cats, so a toxic plant like iris 'katharine hodgkin' is best removed from the floor and low shelves entirely.
What happens if my pet eats iris 'katharine hodgkin'?
ASPCA lists Iris species as toxic to cats and dogs. The bulbs hold the strongest concentration of irritant terpenoids and glycosides (irisin, iridin), causing drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea and irritation. Keep bulbs out of reach when planting or storing. Signs usually appear soon after chewing rather than hours later. If you see drooling, pawing at the mouth, head-shaking, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy after your pet has had access to iris 'katharine hodgkin', treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What should I do if my cat or dog ate iris 'katharine hodgkin'?
Stay calm. Remove any remaining plant material from your pet's mouth and take the plant away so they cannot eat more. Note roughly how much was eaten and when. Do not make your pet vomit 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. Bringing a photo or a leaf of iris 'katharine hodgkin' to the appointment helps the vet treat it correctly.
What are pet-safe alternatives to iris 'katharine hodgkin'?
If you want a similar look without the risk, good non-toxic swaps include hoya, bromeliad, christmas cactus, african violet. All of these are listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA, so they suit a home where pets have access to your plants.
Full iris 'katharine hodgkin' care
Pet-safety is one piece of the picture. For light, watering, soil, and troubleshooting, see the complete iris 'katharine hodgkin' care guide, or browse the full pet-safe plant library to check another plant before you buy it.