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Pet safety

Is Netted Iris toxic to cats?

Iris reticulata

Toxic to cats

Yes — netted iris 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 Iris species are listed by the ASPCA as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. The toxic agents are pentacyclic terpenoids with the highest concentration in rhizomes and bulbs. Symptoms include salivation, vomiting, drooling, lethargy, and diarrhea. The NCSU Extension also notes contact dermatitis from the sap.

What to do if your cat ate netted iris

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

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

Is netted iris toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is netted iris toxic to cats?

Yes — netted iris is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. All Iris species are listed by the ASPCA as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. The toxic agents are pentacyclic terpenoids with the highest concentration in rhizomes and bulbs. Symptoms include salivation, vomiting, drooling, lethargy, and diarrhea. The NCSU Extension also notes contact dermatitis from the sap.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats netted iris?

All Iris species are listed by the ASPCA as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. The toxic agents are pentacyclic terpenoids with the highest concentration in rhizomes and bulbs. Symptoms include salivation, vomiting, drooling, lethargy, and diarrhea. The NCSU Extension also notes contact dermatitis from the sap. 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 netted iris.

What should I do if my cat ate netted 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.

Is netted iris toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to netted iris?

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 netted iris pet-safety