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Is Showy Autumn Crocus toxic to cats?

Colchicum speciosum

Toxic to cats

Yes — showy autumn crocus 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. Colchicum speciosum contains very high concentrations of colchicine and related Colchicum alkaloids throughout the entire plant — corm, flowers, leaves, and seeds. The ASPCA lists Colchicum (Meadow Saffron / Autumn Crocus) as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. Symptoms of ingestion include bloody vomiting, diarrhoea, respiratory failure, kidney and liver damage, bone marrow suppression, and cardiovascular collapse, which can be fatal. There is no antidote. Seek emergency veterinary treatment immediately if any ingestion is suspected. Wear gloves when handling corms as sap can irritate skin and eyes.

What to do if your cat ate showy autumn crocus

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

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

Is showy autumn crocus toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is showy autumn crocus toxic to cats?

Yes — showy autumn crocus is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Colchicum speciosum contains very high concentrations of colchicine and related Colchicum alkaloids throughout the entire plant — corm, flowers, leaves, and seeds. The ASPCA lists Colchicum (Meadow Saffron / Autumn Crocus) as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. Symptoms of ingestion include bloody vomiting, diarrhoea, respiratory failure, kidney and liver damage, bone marrow suppression, and cardiovascular collapse, which can be fatal. There is no antidote. Seek emergency veterinary treatment immediately if any ingestion is suspected. Wear gloves when handling corms as sap can irritate skin and eyes.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats showy autumn crocus?

Colchicum speciosum contains very high concentrations of colchicine and related Colchicum alkaloids throughout the entire plant — corm, flowers, leaves, and seeds. The ASPCA lists Colchicum (Meadow Saffron / Autumn Crocus) as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. Symptoms of ingestion include bloody vomiting, diarrhoea, respiratory failure, kidney and liver damage, bone marrow suppression, and cardiovascular collapse, which can be fatal. There is no antidote. Seek emergency veterinary treatment immediately if any ingestion is suspected. Wear gloves when handling corms as sap can irritate skin and eyes. 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 showy autumn crocus.

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

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to showy autumn 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 showy autumn crocus pet-safety