Pet emergency
My cat ate Martinezii Lily — what to do
Step by step
- Take martinezii 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 martinezii lily — FAQ
Is martinezii lily poisonous to cats?
Yes — the ASPCA lists Martinezii Lily (Lapiedra martinezii) as toxic to cats. Lapiedra martinezii is a member of Amaryllidaceae and contains phenanthridine alkaloids (including lycorine and related compounds) typical of this family. The ASPCA lists closely related Amaryllidaceae genera — including Narcissus, Galanthus, Clivia, and Amaryllis — as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses due to lycorine. All parts of Lapiedra martinezii should be treated as toxic; ingestion may cause vomiting, hypersalivation, diarrhoea, and potentially cardiac effects. Keep pets away from the bulbs, foliage, and flowers. Consult a vet or the ASPCA Poison Control Center (888-426-4435) if a pet ingests any part.
How serious is it if my cat ate martinezii lily?
Martinezii 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. Lapiedra martinezii is a member of Amaryllidaceae and contains phenanthridine alkaloids (including lycorine and related compounds) typical of this family. The ASPCA lists closely related Amaryllidaceae genera — including Narcissus, Galanthus, Clivia, and Amaryllis — as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses due to lycorine. All parts of Lapiedra martinezii should be treated as toxic; ingestion may cause vomiting, hypersalivation, diarrhoea, and potentially cardiac effects. Keep pets away from the bulbs, foliage, and flowers. Consult a vet or the ASPCA Poison Control Center (888-426-4435) 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 martinezii lily well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best cats-safe plants list.
Related
- Is martinezii lily toxic to cats? — full toxicity detail
- Martinezii Lily and pets — the complete ASPCA pet-safety guide