Safety verdict
Consulted references classify the plant as toxic or irritating for that pet type.
Pet ingestion lookup
My cat ate Jonquil - what should I do?
Narcissus jonquilla
Potentially toxic
Contact your veterinarian or an animal poison-control resource now, especially if any amount was chewed or swallowed.
Verified against ASPCA/provenance audit 2026-05-06 on May 6, 2026.
Signs to watch for
Vomiting, excessive salivation, diarrhea, and potential abdominal pain.
Escalation note
Ingestion of the bulb is particularly dangerous due to higher concentrations of toxins. Please contact your veterinarian immediately if you suspect your cat has consumed any part of this plant.
First aid at home
Call ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 or your veterinarian as soon as possible. Do not induce vomiting unless a veterinarian instructs you to.
What to watch for
The first signs are usually drooling and vomiting, followed by diarrhea and abdominal discomfort. With larger ingestions — especially if a cat has chewed a bulb — watch for tremors, low blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, and convulsions. The bulb is the most poisonous part of the plant.
Time window
GI signs typically appear within hours of ingestion. ASPCA and Pet Poison Helpline note signs may appear immediately but can also be delayed; precise onset windows are not well documented for cats.
When to call the vet
Call your veterinarian or ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888-426-4435) any time you see vomiting, persistent drooling, or know your cat has chewed a bulb. Don't wait for severe signs — bulb ingestions warrant a same-hour call.
What this means for your cat
Cats should not chew jonquil. The plant contains lycorine and related alkaloids — concentrated in the bulb — that reliably trigger vomiting, drooling and diarrhea, and large ingestions can progress to tremors and cardiac arrhythmias.
Sources: ASPCA, Pet Poison Helpline.
Source references
Poison-control resources
This page summarizes source-bound plant-safety information and is not veterinary advice.