Growli
Let's go

Pet safety

Is Pretty Crocus toxic to cats?

Crocus pulchellus

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists pretty crocus as mildly toxic to cats — a chewing cat typically gets mouth irritation, drooling, and vomiting rather than a medical emergency, but it is still best kept out of reach. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List. A true Crocus (Iridaceae). Ingestion by cats or dogs causes mild gastrointestinal signs (drooling, vomiting, diarrhea) per Pet Poison Helpline's assessment of Crocus spp. ASPCA does not individually list C. pulchellus. It is not the severely toxic Colchicum autumnale, though both are sometimes called 'autumn crocus' — true Crocus has 3 stamens; Colchicum has 6.

What to do if your cat ate pretty crocus

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

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

Is pretty crocus toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is pretty crocus toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists pretty crocus as mildly toxic to cats — a chewing cat typically gets mouth irritation, drooling, and vomiting rather than a medical emergency, but it is still best kept out of reach. A true Crocus (Iridaceae). Ingestion by cats or dogs causes mild gastrointestinal signs (drooling, vomiting, diarrhea) per Pet Poison Helpline's assessment of Crocus spp. ASPCA does not individually list C. pulchellus. It is not the severely toxic Colchicum autumnale, though both are sometimes called 'autumn crocus' — true Crocus has 3 stamens; Colchicum has 6.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats pretty crocus?

A true Crocus (Iridaceae). Ingestion by cats or dogs causes mild gastrointestinal signs (drooling, vomiting, diarrhea) per Pet Poison Helpline's assessment of Crocus spp. ASPCA does not individually list C. pulchellus. It is not the severely toxic Colchicum autumnale, though both are sometimes called 'autumn crocus' — true Crocus has 3 stamens; Colchicum has 6. 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 pretty crocus.

What should I do if my cat ate pretty crocus?

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 pretty crocus toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Pretty Crocus is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full pretty crocus pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to pretty crocus?

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 pretty crocus pet-safety