Is Dutch Iris toxic to cats?

Yes — dutch iris is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. ASPCA lists Iris (the parent genus) as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. Toxic compounds are pentacyclic terpenoids concentrated in the bulb. Symptoms include salivation, vomiting, drooling, lethargy, and diarrhea. Exercise particular care when planting bulbs as this is when pets are most likely to encounter and chew them.

ASPCA lists Iris (the parent genus) as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. Toxic compounds are pentacyclic terpenoids concentrated in the bulb. Symptoms include salivation, vomiting, drooling, lethargy, and diarrhea. Exercise particular care when planting bulbs as this is when pets are most likely to encounter and chew them. 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 dutch iris.

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: Dutch Iris is toxic to dogs as well. See the full dutch iris 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.