Pet safety
Is Two-leaf Squilltoxic to cats & dogs?
Scilla bifolia
Quick verdict — at a glance
- Toxic to cats?
- Yes — toxic
- Toxic to dogs?
- Yes — toxic
- ASPCA classification
- Toxic to pets · botanical name Scilla bifolia
Is two-leaf squill safe for cats and dogs?
No — two-leaf squill is toxic to cats and dogs. Keep it well away from any pet that chews plants; reactions can be significant. 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. Scilla species contain cardiac glycosides and scillaren alkaloids throughout the plant, with highest concentrations in the bulbs. These compounds are toxic to dogs, cats, and horses, causing vomiting, diarrhoea, bradycardia, and in severe cases cardiac arrhythmia. ASPCA lists Scilla as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. Treat as a serious toxicity hazard.
| Pet | Toxic? | Per ASPCA |
|---|---|---|
| Cats | Yes | Toxic to pets |
| Dogs | Yes | Toxic to pets |
What happens if a pet eats two-leaf squill?
Scilla species contain cardiac glycosides and scillaren alkaloids throughout the plant, with highest concentrations in the bulbs. These compounds are toxic to dogs, cats, and horses, causing vomiting, diarrhoea, bradycardia, and in severe cases cardiac arrhythmia. ASPCA lists Scilla as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. Treat as a serious toxicity hazard. 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 two-leaf squill, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What to do if your pet ate two-leaf squill
- Remove any plant material from your pet's mouth and move two-leaf squill 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 two-leaf squill 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 two-leaf squill
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)
Two-leaf Squill and pets — frequently asked questions
Is two-leaf squill toxic to cats?
Two-leaf Squill (Scilla bifolia) is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Scilla species contain cardiac glycosides and scillaren alkaloids throughout the plant, with highest concentrations in the bulbs. These compounds are toxic to dogs, cats, and horses, causing vomiting, diarrhoea, bradycardia, and in severe cases cardiac arrhythmia. ASPCA lists Scilla as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. Treat as a serious toxicity hazard. 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 two-leaf squill toxic to dogs?
Per the ASPCA, Two-leaf Squill (Scilla bifolia) is toxic to dogs. Dogs often chew more enthusiastically than cats, so a toxic plant like two-leaf squill is best removed from the floor and low shelves entirely.
What happens if my pet eats two-leaf squill?
Scilla species contain cardiac glycosides and scillaren alkaloids throughout the plant, with highest concentrations in the bulbs. These compounds are toxic to dogs, cats, and horses, causing vomiting, diarrhoea, bradycardia, and in severe cases cardiac arrhythmia. ASPCA lists Scilla as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. Treat as a serious toxicity hazard. 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 two-leaf squill, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What should I do if my cat or dog ate two-leaf squill?
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 two-leaf squill to the appointment helps the vet treat it correctly.
What are pet-safe alternatives to two-leaf squill?
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 two-leaf squill care
Pet-safety is one piece of the picture. For light, watering, soil, and troubleshooting, see the complete two-leaf squill care guide, or browse the full pet-safe plant library to check another plant before you buy it.