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Is Jonquil toxic to cats?

Narcissus jonquilla

Toxic to cats

Yes — jonquil 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 Narcissus species, including N. jonquilla, contain lycorine and related alkaloids throughout the plant, concentrated in the bulb. ASPCA lists daffodils (Narcissus spp.) as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. Ingestion causes nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, hypotension, and potentially cardiac or respiratory effects. The strong fragrance is harmless in open air but may cause headaches indoors in quantity. Sap causes contact dermatitis.

What to do if your cat ate jonquil

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

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

Is jonquil toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is jonquil toxic to cats?

Yes — jonquil is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. All Narcissus species, including N. jonquilla, contain lycorine and related alkaloids throughout the plant, concentrated in the bulb. ASPCA lists daffodils (Narcissus spp.) as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. Ingestion causes nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, hypotension, and potentially cardiac or respiratory effects. The strong fragrance is harmless in open air but may cause headaches indoors in quantity. Sap causes contact dermatitis.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats jonquil?

All Narcissus species, including N. jonquilla, contain lycorine and related alkaloids throughout the plant, concentrated in the bulb. ASPCA lists daffodils (Narcissus spp.) as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. Ingestion causes nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, hypotension, and potentially cardiac or respiratory effects. The strong fragrance is harmless in open air but may cause headaches indoors in quantity. Sap causes contact dermatitis. 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 jonquil.

What should I do if my cat ate jonquil?

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 jonquil toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to jonquil?

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 jonquil pet-safety