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Is Crocus sativus toxic to cats?

Crocus sativus

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists crocus sativus 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. The dried stigmas are edible saffron for humans, but for pets the ASPCA lists Crocus species as toxic, causing gastrointestinal upset (vomiting, diarrhoea, drooling) if the plant or corm is ingested. Note this is the true saffron crocus, an Iridaceae species — NOT the deadly meadow saffron / autumn crocus Colchicum autumnale, which contains colchicine. Despite a shared common name, keep corms away from pets and consult a vet if eaten.

What to do if your cat ate crocus sativus

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

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

Is crocus sativus toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is crocus sativus toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists crocus sativus 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. The dried stigmas are edible saffron for humans, but for pets the ASPCA lists Crocus species as toxic, causing gastrointestinal upset (vomiting, diarrhoea, drooling) if the plant or corm is ingested. Note this is the true saffron crocus, an Iridaceae species — NOT the deadly meadow saffron / autumn crocus Colchicum autumnale, which contains colchicine. Despite a shared common name, keep corms away from pets and consult a vet if eaten.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats crocus sativus?

The dried stigmas are edible saffron for humans, but for pets the ASPCA lists Crocus species as toxic, causing gastrointestinal upset (vomiting, diarrhoea, drooling) if the plant or corm is ingested. Note this is the true saffron crocus, an Iridaceae species — NOT the deadly meadow saffron / autumn crocus Colchicum autumnale, which contains colchicine. Despite a shared common name, keep corms away from pets and consult a vet if eaten. 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 crocus sativus.

What should I do if my cat ate crocus sativus?

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 crocus sativus toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Crocus sativus is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full crocus sativus pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to crocus sativus?

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 crocus sativus pet-safety