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Is Common Hyacinth toxic to cats?

Hyacinthus orientalis

Toxic to cats

Yes — common hyacinth 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. ASPCA lists Hyacinthus orientalis as toxic to cats and dogs. The bulbs contain the highest concentration of allergenic lactone alkaloids (narciclasine-type compounds) and calcium oxalate crystals. Ingestion — especially of the bulb — causes intense gastrointestinal upset (drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea), elevated heart rate, and difficulty breathing. Skin contact with the bulb sap can cause dermatitis in humans too.

What to do if your cat ate common hyacinth

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

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

Is common hyacinth toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is common hyacinth toxic to cats?

Yes — common hyacinth is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. ASPCA lists Hyacinthus orientalis as toxic to cats and dogs. The bulbs contain the highest concentration of allergenic lactone alkaloids (narciclasine-type compounds) and calcium oxalate crystals. Ingestion — especially of the bulb — causes intense gastrointestinal upset (drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea), elevated heart rate, and difficulty breathing. Skin contact with the bulb sap can cause dermatitis in humans too.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats common hyacinth?

ASPCA lists Hyacinthus orientalis as toxic to cats and dogs. The bulbs contain the highest concentration of allergenic lactone alkaloids (narciclasine-type compounds) and calcium oxalate crystals. Ingestion — especially of the bulb — causes intense gastrointestinal upset (drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea), elevated heart rate, and difficulty breathing. Skin contact with the bulb sap can cause dermatitis in humans too. 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 common hyacinth.

What should I do if my cat ate common hyacinth?

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 common hyacinth toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Common Hyacinth is toxic to dogs as well. See the full common hyacinth pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to common hyacinth?

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 common hyacinth pet-safety