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 Daffodil safe for cats?
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.
DaffodilJonquilNarcissusNarcissus spp
- Light
- Full sun to partial shade
- Habit
- Bulbous perennial
- Care
- Low
Safety status
What this means for your cat
Cats — toxic. ASPCA classifies daffodils (and all Narcissus species) as toxic to cats; lycorine and related alkaloids are present throughout the plant, with the bulb most concentrated. Even chewing on a stem from a vase or licking pollen off fur can produce strong GI symptoms in a small cat.
What to watch for
Vomiting, drooling, and diarrhea early; with larger or bulb ingestions, tremors, low blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, or convulsions. Lycorine is a powerful emetic, so vomiting can be intense and repeated.
Time window
Symptoms typically begin within 2 hours of ingestion. Mild GI cases usually resolve within 24–48 hours with supportive care; severe cases involving cardiovascular or neurologic signs may require longer hospitalization.
When to call the vet
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.
First aid at home
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).
Sources: ASPCA, Pet Poison Helpline.
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.
Safer alternatives
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Source evidence
ASPCA Toxic Plant List
toxicology · 99% reliability
Daffodils contain lycorine and other alkaloids that can cause severe vomiting and diarrhea in pets.
Same cat verdict
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Amaryllis spp.
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