Cats
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
cat safety reference
Is Autumn Crocus safe for cats?
Colchicum autumnale
The Autumn Crocus is a bulbous perennial known for its late-season blooms that emerge directly from the ground. It contains potent alkaloids that make it highly dangerous if ingested by pets.
ColchicumColchicum autumnaleMeadow SaffronNaked Lady
- Light
- Full sun to partial shade
- Habit
- Bulbous perennial
- Care
- Low
Safety status
What this means for your cat
Autumn Crocus is one of the most dangerous garden plants for cats — every part contains colchicine, a potent alkaloid that targets the gut, liver, kidneys, and bone marrow. Even a small nibble of leaf, flower, or bulb is a poison-control emergency, not a watch-and-wait situation.
What to watch for
Early on: heavy drooling, vomiting (sometimes bloody), and diarrhea. Hours to days later, cats can develop shock, multi-organ failure, and bone-marrow suppression that may show up as bruising or pale gums. The seeds and bulbs carry the highest concentrations of colchicine.
Time window
Signs can appear within hours of ingestion but may also be delayed for days, which is part of what makes colchicine so dangerous.
When to call the vet
Call immediately. ASPCA Poison Control: (888) 426-4435. Pet Poison Helpline: (855) 764-7661. Don't wait for symptoms — get your cat seen even if she looks fine right now.
Sources: ASPCA, Pet Poison Helpline (no home first-aid; emergency veterinary care required).
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, shock, organ damage, and bone marrow suppression.
Escalation note
This plant is extremely toxic. Ingestion of any part can lead to severe systemic illness. Please contact your veterinarian or an emergency animal poison control center immediately if ingestion is suspected.
Safer alternatives
No hand-picked alternatives for this plant yet. You can still pick your own using the Compare button on any other plant.
Source evidence
ASPCA Toxic Plant List
toxicology · 99% reliability
Autumn Crocus contains colchicine and other alkaloids that are highly toxic to both cats and dogs.
Questions about Autumn Crocus
Is autumn crocus toxic to cats?
Yes, autumn crocus (Colchicum autumnale) is extremely toxic to cats. It contains potent alkaloids, most notably colchicine, and ingestion of any part of the plant can cause severe systemic illness or death.
What are the symptoms of autumn crocus poisoning in cats?
Early signs include heavy drooling, vomiting (sometimes bloody), and diarrhea. Hours to days later, cats can develop shock, multi-organ failure, and bone marrow suppression — which may appear as bruising or pale gums. Symptoms can be delayed for days after ingestion, making this plant especially dangerous.
What should I do if my cat ate autumn crocus?
Call a veterinarian or animal poison control immediately — do not wait for symptoms to appear. Contact the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 or the Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661. Even a cat that looks fine right now can deteriorate rapidly over the next several days.
Which parts of autumn crocus are most dangerous to cats?
All parts of the autumn crocus are toxic, but the seeds and bulbs carry the highest concentrations of colchicine. There is no safe part of this plant for cats to ingest.
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