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Is Common Snowdrop toxic to cats?

Galanthus nivalis

Toxic to cats

Yes — common snowdrop 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. All Galanthus species contain the alkaloid galantamine and related compounds including lycorine throughout the plant, with highest concentrations in the bulbs. Ingestion causes vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy, and can cause serious effects including bradycardia in dogs and cats. ASPCA lists Galanthus (snowdrop) as toxic to dogs and cats. The bulbs pose the greatest risk, particularly when they are freshly lifted or newly planted.

What to do if your cat ate common snowdrop

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

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

Is common snowdrop toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is common snowdrop toxic to cats?

Yes — common snowdrop is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. All Galanthus species contain the alkaloid galantamine and related compounds including lycorine throughout the plant, with highest concentrations in the bulbs. Ingestion causes vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy, and can cause serious effects including bradycardia in dogs and cats. ASPCA lists Galanthus (snowdrop) as toxic to dogs and cats. The bulbs pose the greatest risk, particularly when they are freshly lifted or newly planted.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats common snowdrop?

All Galanthus species contain the alkaloid galantamine and related compounds including lycorine throughout the plant, with highest concentrations in the bulbs. Ingestion causes vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy, and can cause serious effects including bradycardia in dogs and cats. ASPCA lists Galanthus (snowdrop) as toxic to dogs and cats. The bulbs pose the greatest risk, particularly when they are freshly lifted or newly planted. 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 snowdrop.

What should I do if my cat ate common snowdrop?

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 snowdrop toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to common snowdrop?

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 snowdrop pet-safety