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Is Iris laevigata 'Variegata' toxic to cats?

Iris laevigata 'Variegata'

Toxic to cats

Yes — iris laevigata 'variegata' 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. The ASPCA lists Iris species as toxic to cats, dogs and horses; the toxic principles (irisin, iridin and related compounds) are most concentrated in the rhizome. Ingestion causes drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea and lethargy.

What to do if your cat ate iris laevigata 'variegata'

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

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

Is iris laevigata 'variegata' toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is iris laevigata 'variegata' toxic to cats?

Yes — iris laevigata 'variegata' is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. The ASPCA lists Iris species as toxic to cats, dogs and horses; the toxic principles (irisin, iridin and related compounds) are most concentrated in the rhizome. Ingestion causes drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea and lethargy.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats iris laevigata 'variegata'?

The ASPCA lists Iris species as toxic to cats, dogs and horses; the toxic principles (irisin, iridin and related compounds) are most concentrated in the rhizome. Ingestion causes drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea and lethargy. 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 iris laevigata 'variegata'.

What should I do if my cat ate iris laevigata 'variegata'?

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 iris laevigata 'variegata' toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Iris laevigata 'Variegata' is toxic to dogs as well. See the full iris laevigata 'variegata' pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to iris laevigata 'variegata'?

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 iris laevigata 'variegata' pet-safety