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Is Summer Snowflake toxic to cats?

Leucojum aestivum

Toxic to cats

Yes — summer snowflake 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 contain Amaryllidaceae alkaloids (lycorine, galanthamine) and are poisonous to humans, cats, and dogs. Symptoms on ingestion include vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, and potential cardiac effects. Bulbs carry the highest concentration. Keep away from pets and children.

What to do if your cat ate summer snowflake

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

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

Is summer snowflake toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is summer snowflake toxic to cats?

Yes — summer snowflake is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. All parts contain Amaryllidaceae alkaloids (lycorine, galanthamine) and are poisonous to humans, cats, and dogs. Symptoms on ingestion include vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, and potential cardiac effects. Bulbs carry the highest concentration. Keep away from pets and children.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats summer snowflake?

All parts contain Amaryllidaceae alkaloids (lycorine, galanthamine) and are poisonous to humans, cats, and dogs. Symptoms on ingestion include vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, and potential cardiac effects. Bulbs carry the highest concentration. Keep away from pets and children. 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 summer snowflake.

What should I do if my cat ate summer snowflake?

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 summer snowflake toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Summer Snowflake is toxic to dogs as well. See the full summer snowflake pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to summer snowflake?

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 summer snowflake pet-safety