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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. Narcissus poeticus, in common with all daffodil species, contains lycorine, narcissine, and calcium oxalate crystals throughout. ASPCA classifies daffodils as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. The bulb is the most toxic part — ingestion causes vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, hypotension, and cardiac arrhythmias. The intensely fragrant flowers have caused headaches in poorly ventilated rooms. Handle with gloves as sap causes narcissus dermatitis.

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. Narcissus poeticus, in common with all daffodil species, contains lycorine, narcissine, and calcium oxalate crystals throughout. ASPCA classifies daffodils as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. The bulb is the most toxic part — ingestion causes vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, hypotension, and cardiac arrhythmias. The intensely fragrant flowers have caused headaches in poorly ventilated rooms. Handle with gloves as sap causes narcissus dermatitis.

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

Narcissus poeticus, in common with all daffodil species, contains lycorine, narcissine, and calcium oxalate crystals throughout. ASPCA classifies daffodils as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. The bulb is the most toxic part — ingestion causes vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, hypotension, and cardiac arrhythmias. The intensely fragrant flowers have caused headaches in poorly ventilated rooms. Handle with gloves as sap causes narcissus 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 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