Pet safety
Is Red Spider Lilytoxic to cats & dogs?
Lycoris radiata
Quick verdict — at a glance
- Toxic to cats?
- Yes — toxic
- Toxic to dogs?
- Yes — toxic
- ASPCA classification
- Toxic to pets · botanical name Lycoris radiata
Is red spider lily safe for cats and dogs?
No — red spider lily is toxic to cats and dogs. Keep it well away from any pet that chews plants; reactions can be significant. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List, the most widely used reference for companion-animal plant safety in the US and the standard most UK vets cite as well. 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.
| Pet | Toxic? | Per ASPCA |
|---|---|---|
| Cats | Yes | Toxic to pets |
| Dogs | Yes | Toxic to pets |
What happens if a pet eats red spider lily?
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. Signs usually appear soon after chewing rather than hours later. If you see drooling, pawing at the mouth, head-shaking, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy after your pet has had access to red spider lily, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What to do if your pet ate red spider lily
- Remove any plant material from your pet's mouth and move red spider lily out of reach.
- Note how much was eaten and when, and watch for drooling, vomiting, or lethargy.
- Do not induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist instructs you to.
- Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice.
- Bring a leaf or photo of red spider lily to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.
This page is general guidance, not veterinary advice. Pets vary, and a reaction may be to soil, fertiliser, or pesticide rather than the plant. If you are worried, always contact a vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 — do not wait for symptoms to worsen.
Pet-safe alternatives to red spider lily
Want the same look without the risk? These plants are listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA and have similar care needs:
- Hoya — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- Bromeliad — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- Christmas cactus — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- African violet — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
Red Spider Lily and pets — frequently asked questions
Is red spider lily toxic to cats?
Red Spider Lily (Lycoris radiata) is toxic to pets to cats according to the ASPCA. 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. Keep it out of reach and contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 if your cat chews it.
Is red spider lily toxic to dogs?
The ASPCA lists the same toxicity status for dogs as for cats: Red Spider Lily is toxic to pets. Dogs often chew more enthusiastically than cats, so a toxic plant like red spider lily is best removed from the floor and low shelves entirely.
What happens if my pet eats red spider lily?
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. Signs usually appear soon after chewing rather than hours later. If you see drooling, pawing at the mouth, head-shaking, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy after your pet has had access to red spider lily, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What should I do if my cat or dog ate red spider lily?
Stay calm. Remove any remaining plant material from your pet's mouth and take the plant away so they cannot eat more. Note roughly how much was eaten and when. Do not make your pet vomit 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. Bringing a photo or a leaf of red spider lily to the appointment helps the vet treat it correctly.
What are pet-safe alternatives to red spider lily?
If you want a similar look without the risk, good non-toxic swaps include hoya, bromeliad, christmas cactus, african violet. All of these are listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA, so they suit a home where pets have access to your plants.
Full red spider lily care
Pet-safety is one piece of the picture. For light, watering, soil, and troubleshooting, see the complete red spider lily care guide, or browse the full pet-safe plant library to check another plant before you buy it.