Gladioli / Sword Lily
Gladiolus spp.
Mostly fine, with one catch.
Gladiolus (Gladiolus spp.), also called sword lily, is a tall garden flower often grown from underground corms.
Symptoms reported in cats
Most serious first.
- 1 Vomiting and Diarrhea (Gastrointestinal Upset) Acute (Typically within a few hours of ingestion). · Ingestion of any part of the plant can cause these symptoms, but the bulb (corm) is the most toxic part and causes the most severe reactions.Excessive Drooling (Hypersalivation)
- 2 Lethargy Acute (Accompanying gastrointestinal symptoms). · The cat may appear tired or disinterested in food due to the abdominal discomfort and nausea associated with the poisoning.
- 3 Abdominal Pain Acute. · Often described as "stomach upset" or discomfort. Because Gladioli are in the same family as Irises, symptoms can overlap, including general abdominal tenderness.
- 4 Drooling / Salivation Acute (Immediate to shortly after chewing/ingestion). · This occurs due to the plant's irritant properties on the mouth and digestive tract. Gladioli belong to the Iridaceae (Iris) family, which are known to cause oral and mucosal irritation when eaten.
Important notes
Gladiolus (Gladiolus spp.), also called sword lily, is a tall garden flower often grown from underground corms. It can make cats sick if they chew or eat it, and the corms are the highest-risk part. The exact toxic compounds have not been fully identified, but the plant mainly acts as a digestive irritant. In simple terms, it can upset the stomach and intestines. Sap or plant juices may also irritate the skin in some cats. Possible signs include drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, belly pain, low energy, and loss of appetite. The greatest risk is during planting or storage, when cats may find loose corms. Keep gladiolus plants and stored corms away from cats, and call a veterinarian if your cat eats any part or has repeated vomiting or tiredness.
- Main hazard: Unidentified irritant compounds are most concentrated in the underground corms.
- Symptoms: Drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, belly pain, lethargy, or loss of appetite.
- Highest-risk part: Corms are more concerning than flowers or leaves, especially during planting and storage.
- Action: Keep plants and loose corms away from cats, and call a vet after ingestion or repeated vomiting.
This summary was compiled from multiple sources and is for informational use only. It is not a diagnosis or treatment plan. Toxicity varies with the substance, amount, plant part and the individual cat. If you think your cat may have been exposed to a toxic substance, contact a veterinarian right away.