Is Fritillaria imperialis 'Lutea' toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists fritillaria imperialis 'lutea' 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. Fritillaria is not individually listed on the ASPCA Toxic/Non-Toxic Plants database, but the bulbs and other parts contain toxic steroidal alkaloids (such as imperialine) that can cause vomiting and, in quantity, more serious effects; treat as toxic, keep pets from digging the bulbs, and verify with a vet if ingestion is suspected.

Fritillaria is not individually listed on the ASPCA Toxic/Non-Toxic Plants database, but the bulbs and other parts contain toxic steroidal alkaloids (such as imperialine) that can cause vomiting and, in quantity, more serious effects; treat as toxic, keep pets from digging the bulbs, and verify with a vet 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 fritillaria imperialis 'lutea'.

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: Fritillaria imperialis 'Lutea' is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full fritillaria imperialis 'lutea' 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.