Growli

If your cat ate forest lily amaryllis — do this now

  1. Take the plant away and clear any pieces from their mouth.
  2. Do not induce vomiting unless told to by a professional.
  3. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 now.

Forest Lily Amaryllis is toxic to cats (ASPCA).

Pet emergency

My cat ate Forest Lily Amaryllis — what to do

Step by step

  1. Take forest lily amaryllis away and remove any plant material from your cat's mouth so they cannot eat more.
  2. Note roughly how much was eaten and when — this helps the vet judge the risk.
  3. Do NOT induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist tells you to.
  4. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 (a consultation fee may apply) and follow their advice.
  5. 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 forest lily amaryllis — FAQ

Is forest lily amaryllis poisonous to cats?

Yes — the ASPCA lists Forest Lily Amaryllis (Hippeastrum aulicum) as toxic to cats. Hippeastrum aulicum is a Hippeastrum species; the ASPCA lists the genus as toxic to dogs and cats. Alkaloids including lycorine are present throughout the plant, with the highest concentration in the bulb. Ingestion causes vomiting, lethargy, and in significant amounts can cause more serious neurological effects.

How serious is it if my cat ate forest lily amaryllis?

Forest Lily Amaryllis 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. Hippeastrum aulicum is a Hippeastrum species; the ASPCA lists the genus as toxic to dogs and cats. Alkaloids including lycorine are present throughout the plant, with the highest concentration in the bulb. Ingestion causes vomiting, lethargy, and in significant amounts can cause more serious neurological effects. 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 forest lily amaryllis well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best cats-safe plants list.

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