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Is Waterlily Tulip toxic to cats?

Tulipa kaufmanniana

Toxic to cats

Yes — waterlily tulip 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. ASPCA lists Tulipa (the genus, which includes T. kaufmanniana) as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. Tulipalin A and B — allergenic lactone compounds — are present throughout the plant but are most concentrated in the bulb scales and outer tunics. Ingestion can cause drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea, depression, and (in larger amounts) cardiac and central nervous system effects. Keep bulbs away from pets during planting and storage.

What to do if your cat ate waterlily tulip

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

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

Is waterlily tulip toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is waterlily tulip toxic to cats?

Yes — waterlily tulip is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. ASPCA lists Tulipa (the genus, which includes T. kaufmanniana) as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. Tulipalin A and B — allergenic lactone compounds — are present throughout the plant but are most concentrated in the bulb scales and outer tunics. Ingestion can cause drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea, depression, and (in larger amounts) cardiac and central nervous system effects. Keep bulbs away from pets during planting and storage.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats waterlily tulip?

ASPCA lists Tulipa (the genus, which includes T. kaufmanniana) as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. Tulipalin A and B — allergenic lactone compounds — are present throughout the plant but are most concentrated in the bulb scales and outer tunics. Ingestion can cause drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea, depression, and (in larger amounts) cardiac and central nervous system effects. Keep bulbs away from pets during planting and storage. 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 waterlily tulip.

What should I do if my cat ate waterlily tulip?

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 waterlily tulip toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Waterlily Tulip is toxic to dogs as well. See the full waterlily tulip pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to waterlily tulip?

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 waterlily tulip pet-safety