Tulip flowers are one of the world's most popular flowering plants for your garden and as a cut flower indoors. And for a good reason, because they add beautiful color to your home or garden in the spring. Do you have a curious cat or dog that likes to go on adventures? Be careful, as Tulips, even the bulb, can be quite dangerous for them. Fortunately, many other ways exist to create a pet-friendly home and garden. Read more in this article.
Before reading the article, please note that we are not medical professionals. For questions and advice on pet medical issues, please consult your veterinarian.
Are Tulips Poisonous To Cats And Dogs
Yes, Tulips are poisonous to cats and dogs if they ingest any part of the plant. From the Tulip leaf and flower to the stem and bulb. Even a small bite will irritate a dog’s or cat’s mouth.
Why Are Tulip Plants Poisonous To Cats And Dogs
Tulips belong to the Liliaceae (Lily) family, a group of plants known to be toxic to pets. The Tulip plant contains toxic alkaloid compounds: Tulipalin A and Tulipalin B, which are types of glycosides. These compounds are the plant's natural defenses to deter animals and pests from eating it. Glycosides can become toxic during digestion because the body breaks down the sugar molecules in them, changing how reactive they are.
Tulipalin A and Tulipalin B can be found in all parts of the plant, but eating Tulip bulbs causes the most severe cases because particularly the bulbs contain the highest concentration of these toxic substances. Both compounds can make your dog or cat sick.
Good to know: Other flowers such as Daffodil, Allium, and Hyacinth are also toxic for pets.
What Happens If Your Dog Or Cat Ingests Tulip
A small bite from a Tulip will cause irritation to most cats and dogs. The symptoms and severity of their reaction can vary depending on the amount ingested. If your pet eats large amounts of Tulips, severe toxicity can be fatal if left untreated. Do you notice any symptoms? Contact your vet immediately and follow their instructions.
What Are The Symptoms Of Tulip Poisoning
There are several mild symptoms and more severe symptoms that you can look for to tell if your cat or dog has eaten a Tulip, depending on the amount ingested and the sensitivity of your pet. Some symptoms of dog and cat Tulip poisoning are:
- Vomiting
- Excessive drooling
- Diarrhoea
- Loss of appetite
- Irritated skin/mouth
- Depression/unusual behaviour
- Lethargy/weakness
- Increased heart rate
- Breathing difficulties
- Tremors/muscle weakness
- Stomach pain
- Organ damage
- Seizure
What To Do During And/Or After Tulip Bulb Ingestion
Have you seen your cat or dog eating a Tulip? Or do you suspect your pet from Tulip ingestion? The first thing you need to do is to remove them from the plant immediately to prevent your dog or cat eats Tulip. Also, remove any remaining Tulip. Then, check for any symptoms (see the list above). Next, call your local vet's emergency line and tell them when, how much and what part of the Tulip your pet may have eaten. Also, explain any of your dog’s or cat’s symptoms. If you have it, bring a sample of the Tulip to the vet for easier identification. Finally, follow your veterinarian's instructions and advice for treatment.

Create A Pet-Friendly Garden With The Right Flowers
The best way to protect your cat or dog from Tulip toxicity is to avoid exposure to Tulips altogether. Fortunately, many alternatives to Tulips are non-toxic to your pet. Take, for example, the beautiful Grape Hyacinth (Muscari) with its spikes of densely packed pale blue florets, shaped like a bunch of grapes. Or the Dichelostemma (Firecracker Flower), featuring a tall stem topped with an umbel bearing 6-20 flower pendants.
More Toxic-Free Flowering Bulbs And Perennials
Other non-toxic plants are also suitable for cats and dogs. Take the following, for example:
- Echinacea (Coneflower)
- Red Hot Poker (Kniphofia)
- Echinops (Globe Thistle)
- Eryngium (Sea Holly)
- Phlox
- Liatris (Gayfeather)
- Brunnera (Siberian Bugloss)
- Centaurea (Cornflowers)
Choosing these flower bulbs and perennials does not mean that you can just let your four-legged friend or feline companion eat the plants. Always monitor your pets around any plants. Do you notice any unusual symptoms? Consult a veterinarian immediately. And if you still want Tulips in your garden, make sure you choose a spot where your pet cannot reach the Tulip bed.
Choose Cat And Dog-Friendly Flower Bulbs And Perennials
At DutchGrown, you will find a wide collection of pet-friendly flowering plants for your garden. From high-quality spring blooming bulbs to summer blooming bulbs and perennials. (Always check first if the plant is suitable for pets.) Discover our beautiful collection now and create a safe garden for your cat or dog. We ship from the Netherlands to the US.