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.
cat safety reference
Is Gladiola safe for cats?
Gladiolus species
Gladiolus is a popular flowering bulb known for its tall, sword-shaped leaves and vibrant, funnel-shaped blooms. While prized for its beauty in gardens and bouquets, all parts of the plant, particularly the corm, contain compounds that are harmful if ingested by pets.
GladiolaGladiolusGladiolus speciesSword Lily
- Light
- Full sun
- Habit
- Upright, herbaceous perennial
- Care
- Moderate
Safety status
What this means for your cat
Cats that nibble Gladiola usually get the brunt of the toxin from the corm (bulb), which is the most concentrated part of the plant. ASPCA classifies it as toxic; most exposures cause drooling and GI upset, though larger ingestions of the bulb can be more serious.
What to watch for
Drooling and vomiting are the most common signs, followed by diarrhea and lethargy. ASPCA does not specify a toxic dose, but the severity tends to scale with how much corm tissue was eaten.
Time window
ASPCA does not publish onset or duration; signs typically appear within hours of ingestion.
When to call the vet
Call ASPCA Poison Control or your veterinarian if vomiting or drooling persists for more than a couple of hours, your cat refuses food, or you know your cat chewed on a corm rather than just a leaf.
Sources: ASPCA (no first-aid guidance).
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
Salivation, vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy.
Escalation note
Ingestion can cause gastrointestinal distress. Please contact your veterinarian or a pet poison control center if you suspect your cat has consumed any part of this plant.
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
NC State Extension Plant Toolbox
botanical · 94% reliability
Gladiolus species are perennial cormous plants in the Iridaceae family, noted for their showy, spike-like inflorescences.
Same cat verdict
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