Is Hyacinth Toxic to Cats?

Hyacinthus orientalis

Hyacinths contain the same kind of alkaloids as daffodils, concentrated in the bulb. The indoor, forced bulbs sold in winter are the practical risk because they sit in open bowls on windowsills.

The bulbs are often sold loose, and a cat can knock one onto the floor and chew it in a minute.

Which parts are dangerous

• bulbs
• leaves
• flowers

What to watch for in the UK

• Forced hyacinth bowls are everywhere in December.
• Loose bulbs in gift bags and supermarket displays are within reach.
• The strong scent attracts investigation.
• Glass bowls of bulbs in water are doubly risky — the water counts.

If your cat has already chewed it

1. Phone your vet and say whether it was a bulb or a flower.
2. Take the bulb to the appointment.
3. Watch for drooling, vomiting and tremors.

Take a photo of the plant, and a cutting if you can do it safely — identification is half of the vet's decision. Out of hours, use your practice's emergency number. This page explains risk; it cannot diagnose your cat and it contains no home treatments.

If your cat has vomited after eating a plant, see the cat vomiting guide and, if there is blood, vomiting blood. For a general red-flag checklist, use sick cat symptoms. If the worry is food rather than a plant, the can cats eat guide covers 36 everyday foods.

Related plants

Browse the full UK plant checklist (72 plants).