Is Daffodil Toxic to Cats?
Also known as: Narcissus, Jonquil, Paper White, Lent Lily · Narcissus pseudonarcissus
What makes it toxic
Lycorine and other phenanthridine alkaloids found throughout the plant, concentrated in the bulb. They trigger severe vomiting, drop blood pressure, and can disturb the heart rhythm and nervous system.
Warning signs to watch for
Drooling, severe vomiting and diarrhea within minutes to a few hours, then abdominal pain, tremors, low blood pressure, abnormal heart rhythm and seizures if a large amount, especially bulb material, was eaten.
What to do if your cat eats it
Remove any plant material and call your vet or a poison hotline right away. If the cat dug up or chewed bulbs, treat it as an emergency and go to a clinic immediately — do not wait for symptoms.
Common questions
Is one daffodil bulb dangerous to a cat?
It can be. Bulb tissue holds the highest alkaloid concentration, and a cat’s small body mass makes even a partial bulb a serious exposure. Vomiting alone is a reason to call the vet.
Is it only the flower that is toxic?
No. Every part — petals, stems, leaves, bulbs and even the vase water of cut daffodils — contains lycorine. The bulb is simply the most concentrated.
What about paper whites and jonquils?
All Narcissus species and cultivars, including paper whites and jonquils, carry the same toxic alkaloids and should be treated identically.
More plants checked for cats
This page is general educational information, not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. Every pet is different — if your animal ate something concerning, contact your veterinarian or a pet poison hotline right away. Checking what your pet can eat? Visit our sister site SafeOrToxic.