Is Byzantine Colchicum toxic to cats?

Yes — byzantine colchicum is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. All parts of Colchicum byzantinum — corm, flower, leaf, and seed — contain the alkaloid colchicine and related chemicals. The ASPCA lists Colchicum autumnale (Autumn Crocus / Meadow Saffron) as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses; the same toxins are present throughout the genus. Ingestion can cause severe vomiting, bloody diarrhoea, respiratory failure, organ damage, bone marrow suppression, and death. There is no antidote. Seek emergency veterinary care immediately if ingestion is suspected.

All parts of Colchicum byzantinum — corm, flower, leaf, and seed — contain the alkaloid colchicine and related chemicals. The ASPCA lists Colchicum autumnale (Autumn Crocus / Meadow Saffron) as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses; the same toxins are present throughout the genus. Ingestion can cause severe vomiting, bloody diarrhoea, respiratory failure, organ damage, bone marrow suppression, and death. There is no antidote. Seek emergency veterinary care immediately 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 byzantine colchicum.

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.

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Byzantine Colchicum is toxic to dogs as well. See the full byzantine colchicum pet-safety guide for both species.

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.