What are the symptoms if a cat eats Daffodil?

Vomiting, Cardiac Arrhythmias, Respiratory Depression

Toxic Is Daffodil toxic to cats?

Daffodil

Q: Is Daffodil toxic to cats?

Warning: Toxic. Daffodils (Narcissus spp.) are common spring-blooming bulb plants, often grown in gardens, pots, or used as indoor decorations. They are not safe for cats. The entire plant is toxic, and the bulb contains the highest concentration of toxins, so it is especially important to prevent cats from chewing or digging it up. The main toxin is an alkaloid called lycorine. This compound strongly triggers the vomiting response, so cats may vomit soon after eating the plant. Daffodils also contain calcium oxalate crystals. These tiny crystals can irritate the mouth, tongue, and throat, causing pain, drooling, lip licking, or trouble swallowing. If a cat eats daffodil, possible signs include drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, low energy, and abdominal discomfort. Larger amounts, especially from the bulb, may cause weakness, low blood pressure, abnormal heart rhythm, or seizures. The leaves, flowers, stems, and bulbs should all be kept away from cats, but the bulb is the most dangerous part. Homes with cats should avoid keeping daffodils, or place them somewhere the cat truly cannot reach and cannot dig up the bulb. If your cat eats any part of the plant, especially the bulb, contact a veterinarian promptly.

Narcissus spp.

Yes. Keep it out of reach.

Daffodils (Narcissus spp.) are common spring-blooming bulb plants, often grown in gardens, pots, or used as indoor decorations. They are not safe for cats.

BulbAll parts of the plant

Symptoms reported in cats

Most serious first.

1
Vomiting Rapid · Often profuse due to potent emetic effect.
2
Cardiac Arrhythmias Irregular heartbeat and hypotension; requires monitoring.
3
Respiratory Depression Can occur with massive ingestions (bulbs).

Important notes

Daffodils (Narcissus spp.) are common spring-blooming bulb plants, often grown in gardens, pots, or used as indoor decorations. They are not safe for cats. The entire plant is toxic, and the bulb contains the highest concentration of toxins, so it is especially important to prevent cats from chewing or digging it up. The main toxin is an alkaloid called lycorine. This compound strongly triggers the vomiting response, so cats may vomit soon after eating the plant. Daffodils also contain calcium oxalate crystals. These tiny crystals can irritate the mouth, tongue, and throat, causing pain, drooling, lip licking, or trouble swallowing. If a cat eats daffodil, possible signs include drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, low energy, and abdominal discomfort. Larger amounts, especially from the bulb, may cause weakness, low blood pressure, abnormal heart rhythm, or seizures. The leaves, flowers, stems, and bulbs should all be kept away from cats, but the bulb is the most dangerous part. Homes with cats should avoid keeping daffodils, or place them somewhere the cat truly cannot reach and cannot dig up the bulb. If your cat eats any part of the plant, especially the bulb, contact a veterinarian promptly.

Toxic compounds: lycorine (primary alkaloid), galantamine, calcium oxalate crystals; bulbs most concentrated
Mechanism: lycorine activates the emetic centre in the brainstem; oxalates cause direct tissue irritation
Symptoms: profuse vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, excessive drooling, tremors; severe cases may include low blood pressure, cardiac arrhythmia, or convulsions
All parts are toxic — flowers, leaves, stems, and especially bulbs; bulb ingestion carries greatest risk
Wash hands after handling bulbs and keep cats away from areas where daffodils are planted or stored

Sources Reviewed · Entry ID narcissus_spp

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.