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Plants · Tulipa spp.

Is Tulip Toxic to Cats and Dogs?

Cats

Toxic — usually mild

Vomiting, depression, diarrhea and drooling (ASPCA).

Dogs

Toxic — usually mild

Vomiting, depression, diarrhea and drooling; bulbs are the most toxic part (ASPCA).

Yes, tulips are toxic to cats and dogs. They contain tulipalin A and B, which can cause vomiting, depression, diarrhea and drooling (ASPCA). The bulb has the highest concentration of toxin, so watch dogs that dig. Call your vet if your pet ate any part.

Written by VetExpenses Editorial TeamFact-checked against cited sources · Veterinary review pendingLast reviewed

Educational information, not veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell or ate something worrying, call your veterinarian or a pet poison line now. Emergency steps.

Tulip: plant facts

Tulip facts
Scientific nameTulipa spp.
FamilyLiliaceae
Toxic partsWhole plant; highest concentration in the bulb
Toxic principleTulipalin A and B
Where you'll find itoutdoor, cut flower

Severity scale: “usually mild” means the ASPCA lists only mouth, stomach or skin irritation; “highly toxic” means it lists organ failure, heart effects, seizures or death.

Signs to watch for

Cats

  • vomiting
  • depression
  • diarrhea
  • drooling

Dogs

  • vomiting
  • depression
  • diarrhea
  • drooling

My pet ate tulip. What do I do?

  1. Take any remaining plant away from your pet and note which plant (photo or label) and how much was chewed.
  2. Call your veterinarian or a pet poison line: ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888) 426-4435, Pet Poison Helpline (855) 764-7661. A fee may apply.
  3. Don't make your pet vomit unless a veterinarian or poison control tells you to.

What it could cost

If your pet needs care after eating tulip

We publish a price range only after it is checked against named sources — our vet visit and poisoning treatment guide is in verification. A vet bill for this kind of visit is usually built from these line items:

  • Exam or emergency consultation fee
  • Tests: bloodwork, urine tests or imaging
  • Treatment, such as decontamination or medication
  • Hospital stay and monitoring, if needed
  • Follow-up visits and recheck tests
Would pet insurance cover this? Run the numbers How we verify vet prices

Pet-safe alternatives

Related plants

Plants toxic to catsPlants toxic to dogsPlants safe for cats

Sources

  1. Tulip — Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants. ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Accessed November 8, 2026.

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