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Is Autumn Squill toxic to cats?

Scilla autumnalis

Toxic to cats

Yes — autumn 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. The ASPCA lists Scilla species as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses, causing vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy, and in severe cases cardiac arrhythmia. All parts of the plant contain bufadienolide cardiac glycosides and alkaloids.

What to do if your cat ate autumn squill

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

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

Is autumn squill toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is autumn squill toxic to cats?

Yes — autumn squill is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. The ASPCA lists Scilla species as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses, causing vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy, and in severe cases cardiac arrhythmia. All parts of the plant contain bufadienolide cardiac glycosides and alkaloids.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats autumn squill?

The ASPCA lists Scilla species as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses, causing vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy, and in severe cases cardiac arrhythmia. All parts of the plant contain bufadienolide cardiac glycosides and alkaloids. 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 autumn squill.

What should I do if my cat ate autumn 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 autumn squill toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to autumn 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 autumn squill pet-safety