What are the symptoms if a cat eats Tulip?

Irritation to the mouth, throat, and skin, leading to profuse drooling (ptyalism), Vomiting, diarrhea, and significant stomach upset, Depression, Elevated heart rate (tachycardia) and cardiac arrhythmias, Changes to respiration and difficulty breathing, Tremors and convulsions (seizures)

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✕ Toxic

Tulip

Q: Is Tulip toxic to cats?

Warning: Toxic. Tulips (Tulipa spp.) are beloved spring flowers, but they are toxic to cats. All parts of the plant contain poisonous compounds, but the bulb has the highest and most dangerous concentration of these toxins. For this reason, tulip bulbs pose the greatest risk, especially when they are stored indoors before planting. The toxic principles in tulips are allergenic lactones like tulipalin A and tulipalin B. These substances are very irritating to the body's tissues. When a cat chews on the leaves or flowers, these compounds cause irritation to the mouth and throat, leading to drooling, vomiting, or diarrhea. Ingesting the bulb is far more serious. The concentrated toxins can cause severe stomach upset, depression, and significant changes in heart rate and breathing. In some cases, tremors or seizures can occur. If you suspect your cat has chewed on any part of a tulip, and especially if they have eaten a bulb, please contact your veterinarian right away.

Tulipa spp.

Tulips (Tulipa spp.) are beloved spring flowers, but they are toxic to cats. All parts of the plant contain poisonous compounds, but the bulb has the highest and most dangerous concentration of these toxins. For this reason, tulip bulbs pose the greatest risk, especially when they are stored indoors before planting. The toxic principles in tulips are allergenic lactones like tulipalin A and tulipalin B. These substances are very irritating to the body's tissues. When a cat chews on the leaves or flowers, these compounds cause irritation to the mouth and throat, leading to drooling, vomiting, or diarrhea. Ingesting the bulb is far more serious. The concentrated toxins can cause severe stomach upset, depression, and significant changes in heart rate and breathing. In some cases, tremors or seizures can occur. If you suspect your cat has chewed on any part of a tulip, and especially if they have eaten a bulb, please contact your veterinarian right away.

Important Notes

Toxic compounds: tulipalin A and tulipalin B (allergenic lactone compounds), along with irritant glycosides; bulbs most concentrated

Mechanism: tulipalins cause direct mucosal irritation and allergic contact dermatitis; large bulb ingestion may cause CNS depression and cardiac effects

Symptoms: vomiting, drooling, diarrhea, lethargy; large bulb ingestion may cause tremors, abnormal heart rate, or breathing difficulty

Bulbs are especially dangerous during autumn planting or spring storage — keep stored bulbs away from cats

Contact your vet if your cat ingests a bulb or shows more than mild GI symptoms

Potentially Toxic Parts

Bulb

Entire Plant

Flower

Possible Symptoms Reported in Cats

Vomiting, diarrhea, and significant stomach upset

Gastrointestinal

Elevated heart rate (tachycardia) and cardiac arrhythmias

Cardiac

Changes to respiration and difficulty breathing

Respiratory

Tremors and convulsions (seizures)

Gastrointestinal

Irritation to the mouth, throat, and skin, leading to profuse drooling (ptyalism)

Gastrointestinal

Depression

Gastrointestinal

Disclaimer: This summary was compiled from multiple sources and is for informational use only. It is not a diagnosis or treatment plan. Toxicity can vary based on the substance, amount, plant part, and individual cat. If you think your cat may have been exposed to a toxic substance, contact a veterinarian right away.