Plant safety for cats
Is autumn crocus toxic to cats?
DeadlyListed toxic to cats by ASPCA
Yes — autumn crocus is deadly to cats: fresh or dried, it causes bloody vomiting, shock and organ failure. It is rare in Indian homes (imported bulbs, hill gardens), but treat any crocus-like bulb with care.
Why deadly: Colchicine poisoning — multi-organ damage and bone-marrow suppression. Rare in India.
- Name
- Autumn crocusalso Meadow saffron
- Botanical name
- Colchicum autumnale · Colchicaceae
Toxic parts
All parts, fresh or dried.
What's in it
Colchicine and other alkaloids.
How to recognise it
- Goblet-shaped pink-lilac flowers on bare stems in autumn, growing from a corm
Look-alikes and name traps
Spring crocus and the saffron crocus of Kashmir (Crocus) are different plants; saffron crocus has not been assessed for cats.
Symptoms to watch for
- Bloody vomiting and diarrhoea
- Shock
- Multi-organ damage
- Bone-marrow suppression
What to do — now
Go to a vet now — don't wait for signs. Colchicine damage builds up over days.
- Take your cat, a piece of the plant (or a clear photo) and tell the vet what was eaten, when and how much.
- Don't make your cat vomit at home unless a vet tells you to.
- No milk, oil, salt water or home remedies.
Where Indian cats meet it
Rare: imported bulbs and cool hill-station gardens.
Sources
Facts last checked
General information for cat parents, not a diagnosis or a treatment plan. The facts come from ASPCA, Pet Poison Helpline, International Cat Care, the Merck Veterinary Manual and the other sources listed on every page — and we say so when the evidence comes from dogs or people. If your cat may have eaten something harmful, call your vet.
