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Is Afghan Iris toxic to cats?

Iris cycloglossa

Toxic to cats

Yes — afghan iris is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List. As a member of the Iris genus, Iris cycloglossa is toxic to cats and dogs (ASPCA classifies the genus Iris as toxic). The bulb and fleshy storage roots contain irisin, terpenoids, and quinones. Signs of ingestion include salivation, vomiting, diarrhoea, and lethargy; veterinary advice should be sought immediately.

What to do if your cat ate afghan iris

  1. Remove any plant material from your cat's mouth and move afghan iris out of reach.
  2. Note how much was eaten and when, and watch for drooling, vomiting, or lethargy.
  3. Do not induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist instructs you to.
  4. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice.
  5. Bring a leaf or photo of afghan iris to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.

General guidance, not veterinary advice. If you think your cat has eaten afghan iris, contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 — do not wait for symptoms to worsen.

Is afghan iris toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is afghan iris toxic to cats?

Yes — afghan iris is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. As a member of the Iris genus, Iris cycloglossa is toxic to cats and dogs (ASPCA classifies the genus Iris as toxic). The bulb and fleshy storage roots contain irisin, terpenoids, and quinones. Signs of ingestion include salivation, vomiting, diarrhoea, and lethargy; veterinary advice should be sought immediately.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats afghan iris?

As a member of the Iris genus, Iris cycloglossa is toxic to cats and dogs (ASPCA classifies the genus Iris as toxic). The bulb and fleshy storage roots contain irisin, terpenoids, and quinones. Signs of ingestion include salivation, vomiting, diarrhoea, and lethargy; veterinary advice should be sought immediately. Signs usually appear soon after chewing rather than hours later — watch for drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy after your cat has had access to afghan iris.

What should I do if my cat ate afghan iris?

Stay calm. Remove any plant from your cat's mouth and take the plant away. Note how much was eaten and when, and do not induce vomiting unless told to. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice; a leaf or photo helps the vet treat it correctly.

Is afghan iris toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Afghan Iris is toxic to dogs as well. See the full afghan iris pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to afghan iris?

For a similar look without the risk, see the best cats-safe plants list — every plant there is ASPCA non-toxic to cats and dogs.

Full afghan iris pet-safety