Alternative to tulips for layer/lasagne planting

[Stompythedinosaur]

I've bought some big pots and bulbs with a plant to plant some spring bulbs in layers. I discovered in the nick of time that the tulip bulbs I've got are a bad idea as they are toxic to cats. What can I use for my bottom layer instead? I'm planning on crocus and scilla for the top layer and hyacinth and narcissus for the middle layer.

Even though tulips are toxic to cats, your cats aren't likely to eat them. We have loads of tulips and a cat and have never had any problems.

If you're determined to steer away, spring alternatives would be daffodils and alliums but they wouldn't fill all the gap.

Thanks zippy . I'm probably being over cautious, but i don't think I could relax now i know tulips are toxic.

Alliums/daffs are a great plan.

Just thought I'd add that alliums and daffodils are also poisonous to
cats according to www.cats.org.uk/help-and-advice/home-and-environment/dangerous-plants
I think all the onion family are...but it's the bulbs that are the most toxic part if ate.
I think most cats would most likely avoid eating them instinctively though

Buttery thanks, that is very helpful, but is a lot more plants than I was aware of being toxic for cats (and includes some things that have been growing for years).

I'm going to have a rethink about how cqutious I need to be.

Hi Stompy, exactly, that list is so long that it's rules out nearly everything!

Lillies would be my biggest no no due to the 'dust' it sheds that they can get on fur and how toxic that is but after that it's a judgement call really on the other plants.

Anemones, muscari and ipheion flower into April/May but I am not sure how well they would cope being the bottom layer. You might have to plant them higher.

I've never had a problem with my cats eating tulips or anything other than grass except for one cat that loved eating pansies You can get pollen free lilies that are cat "safer", as long as they aren't prone to plant eating.

One of my cats goes around and just nips off the tulip stem below each bulb and basically decapitates the tulip. Doesnt eat it and has never been ill so cant be too toxic. No idea why she does it.its very annoying. Does it to outdoor plants and any I buy for indoors too....

I steer clear of lilies in the garden and the house as the cat can brush past them and then ingest the pollen. But I have no idea if my neighbours have lilies.

Cat is 15 years old, a real wanderer, and I've had tulips, alliums and daffodils for years. He's fine.

I've never caught him eating anything in the garden other than grass and cat mint. Now catmint - there's a thing to see him eat.

Thanks, I think im going to go with my original plan of tulips as it seems like half the plants in the garden are toxic and keep an eye out for plant eating.