Growli
Let's go

Pet safety

Is Portuguese Squill toxic to cats?

Scilla peruviana

Toxic to cats

Yes — portuguese squill 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 parts of Scilla peruviana are toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. The toxic principles are cardiac glycosides (scilliroside and related bufadienolide compounds). Ingestion causes severe gastrointestinal upset (vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain), drooling, and potentially cardiac arrhythmia. Skin contact with the sap can cause irritation in sensitive individuals. Seek veterinary advice immediately if a pet ingests any part of this plant.

What to do if your cat ate portuguese squill

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

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

Is portuguese squill toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is portuguese squill toxic to cats?

Yes — portuguese squill is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. All parts of Scilla peruviana are toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. The toxic principles are cardiac glycosides (scilliroside and related bufadienolide compounds). Ingestion causes severe gastrointestinal upset (vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain), drooling, and potentially cardiac arrhythmia. Skin contact with the sap can cause irritation in sensitive individuals. Seek veterinary advice immediately if a pet ingests any part of this plant.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats portuguese squill?

All parts of Scilla peruviana are toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. The toxic principles are cardiac glycosides (scilliroside and related bufadienolide compounds). Ingestion causes severe gastrointestinal upset (vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain), drooling, and potentially cardiac arrhythmia. Skin contact with the sap can cause irritation in sensitive individuals. Seek veterinary advice immediately if a pet ingests any part of this plant. 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 portuguese squill.

What should I do if my cat ate portuguese squill?

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 portuguese squill toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to portuguese squill?

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 portuguese squill pet-safety