Is Daffodil Toxic to Cats and Dogs?
Yes, daffodils are toxic to cats and dogs. These popular spring flowers, also known as narcissus, jonquil, and paper white, contain toxic compounds that can harm pets if eaten. All parts of the plant present a risk, but the bulb is the most dangerous part because it has the highest concentration of these substances.
A curious pet that chews on the leaves, flowers, or stems can become ill. The risk is especially high if a dog digs up and ingests the daffodil bulbs, which are the most poisonous part of the plant. Even drinking the water from a vase holding cut daffodils can cause symptoms. Due to these risks, it is best to keep daffodils away from pets.
Daffodil: what the ASPCA database lists
| ASPCA entry | Daffodil |
|---|---|
| Other common names | Narcissus, Jonquil, Paper White |
| Scientific name | Narcissus spp |
| Family | Amaryllidaceae |
| Toxic to | Toxic to Dogs, Toxic to Cats, Toxic to Horses |
| Non-toxic to | None listed |
| Toxic principles | Lycorine and other alkaloids |
| Clinical signs listed | Vomiting, salvation, diarrhea; large ingestions cause convulsions, low blood pressure, tremors and cardiac arrhythmias. Bulbs are the most poisonous part. |
What the ASPCA lists for daffodils
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) identifies daffodils, or Narcissus spp, as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. The toxicity comes from natural compounds within the plant, primarily lycorine and other alkaloids. These substances are present throughout the entire plant but are most concentrated in the bulbs.
According to the ASPCA, ingestion of any part of the daffodil can lead to a range of clinical signs in pets. Common symptoms include vomiting, excessive drooling (salvation), and diarrhea. If a pet consumes a large amount of the plant, especially the bulbs, more severe effects can occur. These serious signs include convulsions, a drop in blood pressure, tremors, and cardiac arrhythmias.
What this means in a home with pets
Having daffodils in or around a home with pets requires careful management to prevent accidental ingestion. A cat might be tempted to bat at the flowers or chew on the long, slender leaves. A dog, particularly one that likes to dig, could unearth and eat the bulbs from a garden bed. Both scenarios pose a significant risk.
The danger is not limited to plants growing in the yard. Cut daffodils brought inside as a bouquet are also a hazard. Pets may chew on the flowers or stems, or they might drink the water from the vase, which can contain the toxic alkaloids that have leached from the stems. Because all parts of the plant are poisonous, any interaction where a pet eats part of a daffodil is a cause for concern.
Keeping cats and dogs and this plant apart
The safest approach is to prevent pets from accessing daffodils at all. If you have these plants in your garden, consider fencing the area off or using other pet-safe barriers to keep curious animals away. Supervise pets closely when they are outdoors in areas where daffodils grow, especially during the spring when the plants are in bloom. When planting new bulbs, ensure they are buried deeply enough that a dog cannot easily dig them up.
Indoors, place bouquets of cut daffodils in a room that is inaccessible to your pets. Do not leave them on low tables or counters where a cat could jump up or a dog could reach them. If you suspect your pet has eaten any part of a daffodil, it is important to act quickly.
When to call your vet
If your pet chewed or ate part of this plant, call your veterinarian or an animal poison control line. Note which plant and which part, how much may be gone and when, and take a photo or a piece of the plant with you.
If you see your pet eat any part of a daffodil or suspect they have, contact your veterinarian or a pet poison hotline immediately for guidance. Note the time of ingestion and try to estimate how much of the plant was eaten. If possible, keep a piece of the plant to help with identification.
Emergency signs: go now
- Collapse, fainting or severe weakness
- Seizures, tremors or trouble standing
- Trouble breathing or blue, gray or very pale gums
- Repeated vomiting or retching, or a swollen, painful belly
- Any known contact with a substance listed as toxic, even before signs appear
Book an appointment soon
- Vomiting or diarrhea that lasts or keeps coming back
- Not eating or drinking, or drinking much more than usual
- Drooling, pawing at the mouth or a swollen face
- Lethargy, hiding or acting unlike themselves
ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center: (888) 426-4435 (a consultation fee may apply). Your own vet or nearest emergency clinic is always a good first call.
Sources
Last checked October 21, 2026. Listings and guidance can change; your veterinarian knows your pet’s health history.