What should I do if my cat ate Daffodil?

Take the cat away from the plant, wipe any bulb residue or pollen out of the mouth and off the fur, and bring a sample or photo of what was eaten — particularly important if a bulb was involved. Do not induce vomiting at home. Call your vet, ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888-426-4435), or Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661). Call your vet or ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888-426-4435) immediately if your cat ate any part of a bulb or you see neurologic signs — tremors, weakness, or collapse. For leaf or flower ingestion with mild GI upset, call the same day for guidance.

What should I do if my dog ate Daffodil?

Take the dog away from the plant, gently rinse the mouth, and bring a sample or photo of what was eaten — especially important if a bulb was involved. Do not induce vomiting at home. Call your vet, ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888-426-4435), or Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661). Call your vet or ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888-426-4435) immediately if your dog ate any part of a bulb, vomiting won't stop, or you see neurologic signs — tremors, staggering, collapse, or seizure. For mild GI signs after leaf or flower ingestion, call the same day for guidance.

Daffodil — (c) David~O, some rights reserved (CC BY) — Photo by (c) David~O, some rights reserved (CC BY)iNaturalistCC BY

Photo by (c) David~O, some rights reserved (CC BY)iNaturalistCC BY

Pet safety reference

Daffodil

Q: Is Daffodil safe for cats?

Daffodil is potentially toxic to cats. Ingestion of the bulb is most dangerous. If your cat has consumed any part of a daffodil, contact your veterinarian or a pet poison control center immediately.

Q: Is Daffodil safe for dogs?

Daffodil is potentially toxic to dogs. The bulb contains the highest concentration of toxins. Seek veterinary care promptly if you suspect your dog has ingested any portion of the plant.

Narcissus spp

Daffodils are popular spring-flowering bulbs that contain toxic alkaloids, particularly concentrated in the bulb, which can cause significant gastrointestinal distress if ingested. All parts of the plant are considered harmful to pets.

Check a list

DaffodilJonquilNarcissusNarcissus spp

Light: Full sun to partial shade
Habit: Bulbous perennial
Care: Low

Safety status

Cats & Dogs

Potentially toxic

Consulted 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

ASPCA Toxic Plant List

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

Vomiting, excessive salivation, diarrhea, and in severe cases, tremors or cardiac arrhythmias.

Escalation note

Ingestion of the bulb is most dangerous. If your cat has consumed any part of a daffodil, contact your veterinarian or a pet poison control center immediately.

Dogs — concern notes

Common signs

Vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, lethargy, and potential respiratory distress or convulsions if large quantities are ingested.

Escalation note

The bulb contains the highest concentration of toxins. Seek veterinary care promptly if you suspect your dog has ingested any portion of the plant.

Safer alternatives

Safer pick

African Violet

Saintpaulia spp.

African violet brings indoor floral cheer without daffodil's lycorine alkaloids.

Generally safe for cats & dogs.

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Source evidence

ASPCA Toxic Plant List

toxicology · 99% reliability

Open source

Daffodils contain lycorine and other alkaloids that can cause severe vomiting and diarrhea in pets.

NC State Extension Plant Toolbox

botanical · 94% reliability

Open source

Narcissus species are bulbous perennials known for their spring blooms; all parts are toxic if ingested.

cats safety page My cat ate Daffodil dogs safety page My dog ate Daffodil

Often compared with

Daffodil vs Jonquil

Same safety verdict

Other plants with the same verdict

Amaryllis

Amaryllis spp.

Amaryllis is a popular bulbous plant known for its large, trumpet-shaped flowers, but it contains compounds that are harmful if ingested by pets. It is best kept out of reach of curious animals to prevent accidental exposure.

Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.

Autumn Crocus

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.

Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.

Garlic

Allium sativum

Garlic is a bulbous perennial herb widely cultivated for its culinary and medicinal uses, belonging to the Amaryllidaceae family. It contains compounds that can cause significant health issues in pets if ingested.

Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.

Hyacinth

Hyacinthus orientalis

Hyacinthus orientalis is a popular spring-flowering bulb known for its fragrant, dense clusters of bell-shaped flowers. It contains calcium oxalate crystals and alkaloids that can cause irritation if ingested by pets.

Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.