Growli
Let's go

Pet safety

Is Bugle Lily toxic to cats?

Watsonia borbonica

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists bugle lily as mildly toxic to cats — a chewing cat typically gets mouth irritation, drooling, and vomiting rather than a medical emergency, but it is still best kept out of reach. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List. Watsonia is not individually listed on the ASPCA database, but belongs to the Iridaceae family, within which Iris species are ASPCA-listed as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. As a precaution, treat Watsonia borbonica as mildly toxic — the corms are the most likely source of irritant compounds. Symptoms of Iris-family ingestion include salivation, vomiting, diarrhoea, and lethargy. Consult a veterinarian if ingestion is suspected.

What to do if your cat ate bugle lily

  1. Remove any plant material from your cat's mouth and move bugle lily 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 bugle lily to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.

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

Is bugle lily toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is bugle lily toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists bugle lily as mildly toxic to cats — a chewing cat typically gets mouth irritation, drooling, and vomiting rather than a medical emergency, but it is still best kept out of reach. Watsonia is not individually listed on the ASPCA database, but belongs to the Iridaceae family, within which Iris species are ASPCA-listed as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. As a precaution, treat Watsonia borbonica as mildly toxic — the corms are the most likely source of irritant compounds. Symptoms of Iris-family ingestion include salivation, vomiting, diarrhoea, and lethargy. Consult a veterinarian if ingestion is suspected.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats bugle lily?

Watsonia is not individually listed on the ASPCA database, but belongs to the Iridaceae family, within which Iris species are ASPCA-listed as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. As a precaution, treat Watsonia borbonica as mildly toxic — the corms are the most likely source of irritant compounds. Symptoms of Iris-family ingestion include salivation, vomiting, diarrhoea, and lethargy. Consult a veterinarian if ingestion is suspected. 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 bugle lily.

What should I do if my cat ate bugle lily?

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 bugle lily toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Bugle Lily is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full bugle lily pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to bugle lily?

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 bugle lily pet-safety