Is Spider Iris toxic to cats?

Yes — spider iris is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Ferraria crispa is a member of Iridaceae. The ASPCA lists Iris (family Iridaceae) as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses; the toxic principles include irisin, irisine, and other terpenoids concentrated in the rhizome/corm. Clinical signs include salivation, vomiting, drooling, lethargy, and diarrhoea. Ferraria corms should be kept away from pets.

Ferraria crispa is a member of Iridaceae. The ASPCA lists Iris (family Iridaceae) as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses; the toxic principles include irisin, irisine, and other terpenoids concentrated in the rhizome/corm. Clinical signs include salivation, vomiting, drooling, lethargy, and diarrhoea. Ferraria corms should be kept away from pets. 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 spider iris.

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.

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Spider Iris is toxic to dogs as well. See the full spider iris pet-safety guide for both species.

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.