Growli
Let's go

Pet safety

Is Tulbaghia toxic to cats?

Tulbaghia violacea

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists tulbaghia 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. Not individually listed by the ASPCA; treat with caution and verify with a vet. As a garlic-scented relative it contains organosulphur compounds similar to those in Allium, which the ASPCA flags as toxic to dogs and cats (causing gastrointestinal upset and, in quantity, oxidative damage to red blood cells). Because Tulbaghia itself is unconfirmed, do not treat it as pet-safe.

What to do if your cat ate tulbaghia

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

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

Is tulbaghia toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is tulbaghia toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists tulbaghia 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. Not individually listed by the ASPCA; treat with caution and verify with a vet. As a garlic-scented relative it contains organosulphur compounds similar to those in Allium, which the ASPCA flags as toxic to dogs and cats (causing gastrointestinal upset and, in quantity, oxidative damage to red blood cells). Because Tulbaghia itself is unconfirmed, do not treat it as pet-safe.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats tulbaghia?

Not individually listed by the ASPCA; treat with caution and verify with a vet. As a garlic-scented relative it contains organosulphur compounds similar to those in Allium, which the ASPCA flags as toxic to dogs and cats (causing gastrointestinal upset and, in quantity, oxidative damage to red blood cells). Because Tulbaghia itself is unconfirmed, do not treat it as pet-safe. 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 tulbaghia.

What should I do if my cat ate tulbaghia?

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 tulbaghia toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to tulbaghia?

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 tulbaghia pet-safety