Cats & Dogs
Potentially toxicConsulted references classify the plant as toxic or irritating for that pet type.
Verified against ASPCA/provenance audit 2026-05-06 on May 6, 2026.
Sources
Pet safety reference
Tulip
Tulipa spp.
Tulips are popular spring-flowering bulbs that contain allergenic lactones, primarily concentrated in the bulb, which can cause irritation if ingested. While the entire plant is considered toxic, the bulb is the most potent part.
TulipTulipaTulipa spp.
- Light
- Full sun to partial shade
- Habit
- Upright bulbous perennial
- Care
- Low
Safety status
If a pet has chewed or swallowed plant material and is showing symptoms, contact a veterinarian or poison resource immediately. This product is for structured reference, not diagnosis.
Cats — concern notes
Common signs
Drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and potential oral irritation.
Escalation note
Symptoms are generally mild to moderate, but ingestion of the bulb can lead to more severe gastrointestinal distress. Contact your veterinarian if ingestion is suspected.
Dogs — concern notes
Common signs
Vomiting, diarrhea, hypersalivation, and depression.
Escalation note
Ingestion of the bulb is the primary concern and may cause more significant irritation than the leaves or flowers. Please consult a veterinarian for professional guidance if your dog consumes any part of the plant.
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Source evidence
ASPCA Toxic Plant List
toxicology · 99% reliability
Tulip bulbs contain allergenic lactones which can cause tissue irritation.
NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox
botanical · 94% reliability
Tulipa is a genus of spring-blooming perennial herbaceous bulbiferous geophytes.
Questions about Tulip
Are tulips toxic to cats?
Yes, tulips (Tulipa spp.) are considered toxic to cats. The entire plant contains allergenic lactones that can cause irritation, but the bulb is the most potent part and poses the greatest risk.
What symptoms will my cat show after eating a tulip?
The most common signs are drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and oral irritation. If your cat chewed on a bulb specifically, you may also see mouth-pawing, refusal to eat, and depression; larger bulb ingestions can cause increased heart rate, arrhythmia, and low blood pressure.
What should I do if my cat ate a tulip?
Call your vet promptly if your cat chewed on a bulb or shows more than a single transient bout of vomiting. Seek urgent care for weakness, fast or irregular heartbeat, or trouble breathing. You can also contact ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435. Symptoms can appear within minutes or up to 24 hours after exposure.
Is the tulip bulb more dangerous to cats than the leaves or flowers?
Yes — while the entire tulip plant is toxic, the bulb contains the highest concentration of allergenic lactones and causes more severe gastrointestinal distress than the leaves or flowers. Bulb ingestion warrants a vet check even if your cat initially seems mostly okay, and recovery may take longer than with leaf or petal exposure.
Are tulips toxic to dogs?
Yes, tulips are toxic to dogs. The entire plant contains allergenic lactones, but the bulb is the most potent part and poses the greatest risk. Ingestion can cause vomiting, diarrhea, hypersalivation, and depression.
What part of a tulip is most dangerous to dogs?
The bulb is the primary concern — it contains the highest concentration of allergenic lactones and can cause more significant irritation than the leaves or flowers. Dogs that dig up and chew tulip bulbs are at greater risk than those that nibble a petal or leaf.
What symptoms will my dog show after eating a tulip?
The ASPCA lists vomiting, diarrhea, hypersalivation, and depression as the typical signs, which usually appear within a few hours of ingestion. With larger ingestions — especially of the bulb — you may also see increased heart rate, changes in breathing, lethargy, and refusal to eat.
What should I do if my dog ate a tulip bulb?
Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 right away — bulb ingestions are the higher-risk scenario. For petal or leaf exposure, monitor closely and call if vomiting or diarrhea repeats, drooling persists, or your dog seems weak or wobbly. The Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661) is also available 24/7; with supportive care most dogs do well.
Same safety verdict
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Monstera
Monstera deliciosa
Monstera deliciosa is a popular tropical houseplant known for its large, fenestrated leaves and vining growth habit. It contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that can cause irritation if ingested by pets.
Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.
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Philodendron
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Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.
Peace Lily
Spathiphyllum
The Mauna Loa Peace Lily is a popular indoor plant known for its elegant white spathes and lush foliage. It contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that can cause irritation upon contact or ingestion.
Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.
Same growing conditions
