What should I do if my cat ate Tulip?

Call promptly if your cat chewed on a bulb, or if your cat shows more than a single transient bout of vomiting after exposure. Bulb ingestion warrants a vet check even if the cat seems mostly okay. Call urgently for weakness, fast or irregular heartbeat, or trouble breathing. ASPCA Poison Control: (888) 426-4435.

What should I do if my dog ate Tulip?

Call your vet or ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888-426-4435) right away if your dog dug up or chewed any tulip bulb — bulb ingestions are the higher-risk scenario. For petal- or leaf-only exposures, call if vomiting or diarrhea repeats, drooling persists, or your dog seems weak or wobbly. Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661) is also available 24/7.

Tulip — Александровы АГ — Photo by Александровы АГWikimedia CommonsCC BY-SA 4.0

Photo by Александровы АГWikimedia CommonsCC BY-SA 4.0

Pet safety reference

Tulip

Q: Is Tulip safe for cats?

Tulip is potentially toxic to cats. Symptoms are generally mild to moderate, but ingestion of the bulb can lead to more severe gastrointestinal distress. Contact your veterinarian if ingestion is suspected.

Q: Is Tulip safe for dogs?

Tulip is potentially toxic to dogs. Ingestion of the bulb is the primary concern and may cause more significant irritation than the leaves or flowers. Please consult a veterinarian for professional guidance if your dog consumes any part of the plant.

Tulipa spp.

Tulips are popular spring-flowering bulbs that contain allergenic lactones, primarily concentrated in the bulb, which can cause irritation if ingested. While the entire plant is considered toxic, the bulb is the most potent part.

Check a list

TulipTulipaTulipa spp.

Light: Full sun to partial shade
Habit: Upright 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

Drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and potential oral irritation.

Escalation note

Symptoms are generally mild to moderate, but ingestion of the bulb can lead to more severe gastrointestinal distress. Contact your veterinarian if ingestion is suspected.

Dogs — concern notes

Common signs

Vomiting, diarrhea, hypersalivation, and depression.

Escalation note

Ingestion of the bulb is the primary concern and may cause more significant irritation than the leaves or flowers. Please consult a veterinarian for professional guidance if your dog consumes any part of the plant.

Safer alternatives

Safer pick

African Violet

Saintpaulia spp.

African violet is a pet-safer indoor flowering pick that won't expose pets to tulip-bulb glycosides.

Generally safe for cats & dogs.

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Source evidence

ASPCA Toxic Plant List

toxicology · 99% reliability

Open source

Tulip bulbs contain allergenic lactones which can cause tissue irritation.

NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox

botanical · 94% reliability

Open source

Tulipa is a genus of spring-blooming perennial herbaceous bulbiferous geophytes.

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

Same safety verdict

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Monstera

Monstera deliciosa

Monstera deliciosa is a popular tropical houseplant known for its large, fenestrated leaves and vining growth habit. It contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that can cause irritation if ingested by pets.

Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.

Snake Plant

Dracaena trifasciata

Dracaena trifasciata is a popular, hardy houseplant known for its stiff, sword-like leaves with striking yellow margins. It is widely appreciated for its air-purifying qualities and ability to thrive in various indoor conditions.

Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.

Philodendron

Philodendron spp.

Philodendrons are popular tropical foliage plants known for their lush, heart-shaped or split leaves. They contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that can cause irritation if ingested.

Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.

Peace Lily

Spathiphyllum

The Mauna Loa Peace Lily is a popular indoor plant known for its elegant white spathes and lush foliage. It contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that can cause irritation upon contact or ingestion.

Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.

Same growing conditions

Plants for the same room

Dianthus

Dianthus spp.

Dianthus species, including the Eastern Star, are popular garden and container plants that contain compounds which can cause gastrointestinal irritation in pets. While generally considered mild, ingestion should be monitored closely.

Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.