Pet emergency
My cat ate Glory of the Sun — what to do
Step by step
- Take glory of the sun 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 glory of the sun — FAQ
Is glory of the sun poisonous to cats?
Yes — the ASPCA lists Glory of the Sun (Leucocoryne ixioides) as mildly toxic to cats. Leucocoryne ixioides is not individually listed on the ASPCA Toxic or Non-Toxic Plant database. As a member of Amaryllidaceae (formerly Alliaceae/Themidaceae), it is related to plants containing organosulfur compounds and steroidal saponins. The garlic scent of the crushed leaves indicates the presence of organosulfur compounds, similar to those in Allium species that are toxic to cats and dogs. Given the absence of confirmed non-toxic status and its Amaryllidaceae affinity, treat as potentially harmful and seek veterinary advice if a pet ingests any part.
How serious is it if my cat ate glory of the sun?
Glory of the Sun is mildly toxic, so most cats get short-lived mouth irritation, drooling, and vomiting rather than a life-threatening reaction. It is still worth a vet call to be safe, especially if your cat ate a lot or symptoms persist.
What symptoms should I watch for?
Signs usually appear soon after chewing: drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy. Leucocoryne ixioides is not individually listed on the ASPCA Toxic or Non-Toxic Plant database. As a member of Amaryllidaceae (formerly Alliaceae/Themidaceae), it is related to plants containing organosulfur compounds and steroidal saponins. The garlic scent of the crushed leaves indicates the presence of organosulfur compounds, similar to those in Allium species that are toxic to cats and dogs. Given the absence of confirmed non-toxic status and its Amaryllidaceae affinity, treat as potentially harmful and seek veterinary advice if a pet ingests any part. 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 glory of the sun well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best cats-safe plants list.
Related
- Is glory of the sun toxic to cats? — full toxicity detail
- Glory of the Sun and pets — the complete ASPCA pet-safety guide