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If your cat ate red spider lily — 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.

Red Spider Lily is toxic to cats (ASPCA).

Pet emergency

My cat ate Red Spider Lily — what to do

Step by step

  1. Take red spider lily 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 red spider lily — FAQ

Is red spider lily poisonous to cats?

Yes — the ASPCA lists Red Spider Lily (Lycoris radiata) as toxic to cats. Toxic to cats and dogs. The ASPCA does not list Lycoris radiata under its own name, but it lists the genus's close amaryllis-family relatives (such as Amaryllis, daffodil/Narcissus and Clivia) as toxic because of the alkaloid lycorine — the same compound that fills every part of Lycoris radiata, with the highest concentration in the bulb. Pet Poison Helpline and NC State Extension confirm Lycoris is poisonous. Ingestion causes drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea and abdominal pain; large doses can lead to tremors or convulsions. Note: the ASPCA's separate "Spider Lily" listing refers to a different genus (Hymenocallis), so do not assume it covers this plant. If a pet or child ingests any part, contact your vet, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888-426-4435) or Pet Poison Helpline right away.

How serious is it if my cat ate red spider lily?

Red Spider 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. Toxic to cats and dogs. The ASPCA does not list Lycoris radiata under its own name, but it lists the genus's close amaryllis-family relatives (such as Amaryllis, daffodil/Narcissus and Clivia) as toxic because of the alkaloid lycorine — the same compound that fills every part of Lycoris radiata, with the highest concentration in the bulb. Pet Poison Helpline and NC State Extension confirm Lycoris is poisonous. Ingestion causes drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea and abdominal pain; large doses can lead to tremors or convulsions. Note: the ASPCA's separate "Spider Lily" listing refers to a different genus (Hymenocallis), so do not assume it covers this plant. If a pet or child ingests any part, contact your vet, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888-426-4435) or Pet Poison Helpline right away. 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 red spider lily well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best cats-safe plants list.

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