Pet emergency
My cat ate Belladonna Lily — what to do
Step by step
- Take belladonna lily away and remove any plant material from your cat's mouth so they cannot eat more.
- Note roughly how much was eaten and when — this helps the vet judge the risk.
- Do NOT induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist tells you to.
- Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 (a consultation fee may apply) and follow their advice.
- Watch for drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or lethargy, and bring a leaf or photo to the appointment.
This is general guidance, not veterinary advice. Pets vary, and a reaction may be to soil, fertiliser, or pesticide as well as the plant. When in doubt, call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435.
My cat ate belladonna lily — FAQ
Is belladonna lily poisonous to cats?
Yes — the ASPCA lists Belladonna Lily (Amaryllis belladonna) as toxic to cats. The ASPCA lists Amaryllis (including A. belladonna) as toxic to dogs and cats. All parts contain lycorine and related alkaloids, with the highest concentration in the bulb. Ingestion causes vomiting, depression, tremors, and hypotension. Keep away from pets and note that the cut-flower form is also hazardous.
How serious is it if my cat ate belladonna lily?
Belladonna Lily is toxic to cats and reactions can be significant, so treat any ingestion as urgent. Call your vet or poison control on (888) 426-4435 straight away rather than waiting to see if symptoms develop.
What symptoms should I watch for?
Signs usually appear soon after chewing: drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy. The ASPCA lists Amaryllis (including A. belladonna) as toxic to dogs and cats. All parts contain lycorine and related alkaloids, with the highest concentration in the bulb. Ingestion causes vomiting, depression, tremors, and hypotension. Keep away from pets and note that the cut-flower form is also hazardous. Any worsening or persistent symptoms warrant an immediate vet visit.
Should I make my cat vomit?
No — do not induce vomiting unless a vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center specifically tells you to. The wrong action can make things worse. Call (888) 426-4435 and follow professional advice.
How do I stop this happening again?
Keep belladonna lily well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best cats-safe plants list.
Related
- Is belladonna lily toxic to cats? — full toxicity detail
- Belladonna Lily and pets — the complete ASPCA pet-safety guide