Growli
Let's go

Pet safety

Is Poet's Narcissus toxic to cats?

Narcissus poeticus

Toxic to cats

Yes — poet's narcissus 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. Listed by the ASPCA as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. All parts — especially the bulb — contain lycorine and oxalate crystals, causing vomiting, diarrhoea, drooling, abdominal pain, and in large ingestions, cardiac arrhythmia. Seek veterinary attention immediately if ingested.

What to do if your cat ate poet's narcissus

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

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

Is poet's narcissus toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is poet's narcissus toxic to cats?

Yes — poet's narcissus is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Listed by the ASPCA as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. All parts — especially the bulb — contain lycorine and oxalate crystals, causing vomiting, diarrhoea, drooling, abdominal pain, and in large ingestions, cardiac arrhythmia. Seek veterinary attention immediately if ingested.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats poet's narcissus?

Listed by the ASPCA as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. All parts — especially the bulb — contain lycorine and oxalate crystals, causing vomiting, diarrhoea, drooling, abdominal pain, and in large ingestions, cardiac arrhythmia. Seek veterinary attention immediately if ingested. 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 poet's narcissus.

What should I do if my cat ate poet's narcissus?

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 poet's narcissus toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Poet's Narcissus is toxic to dogs as well. See the full poet's narcissus pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to poet's narcissus?

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 poet's narcissus pet-safety