Pet safety
Is Amaryllis 'Red Lion'toxic to cats & dogs?
Hippeastrum 'Red Lion'
Quick verdict — at a glance
- Toxic to cats?
- Yes — toxic
- Toxic to dogs?
- Yes — toxic
- ASPCA classification
- Toxic to pets · botanical name Hippeastrum 'Red Lion'
Is amaryllis 'red lion' safe for cats and dogs?
No — amaryllis 'red lion' 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 per the ASPCA (listed as Amaryllis / Hippeastrum). The toxic principles are lycorine and other Amaryllidaceae alkaloids, most concentrated in the bulb; ingestion causes vomiting, hypersalivation, diarrhoea, abdominal pain and lethargy, with tremors and cardiac arrhythmias possible in large amounts.
| Pet | Toxic? | Per ASPCA |
|---|---|---|
| Cats | Yes | Toxic to pets |
| Dogs | Yes | Toxic to pets |
What happens if a pet eats amaryllis 'red lion'?
Toxic to cats and dogs per the ASPCA (listed as Amaryllis / Hippeastrum). The toxic principles are lycorine and other Amaryllidaceae alkaloids, most concentrated in the bulb; ingestion causes vomiting, hypersalivation, diarrhoea, abdominal pain and lethargy, with tremors and cardiac arrhythmias possible in large amounts. 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 amaryllis 'red lion', treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What to do if your pet ate amaryllis 'red lion'
- Remove any plant material from your pet's mouth and move amaryllis 'red lion' 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 amaryllis 'red lion' 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 amaryllis 'red lion'
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)
Amaryllis 'Red Lion' and pets — frequently asked questions
Is amaryllis 'red lion' toxic to cats?
Amaryllis 'Red Lion' (Hippeastrum 'Red Lion') is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Toxic to cats and dogs per the ASPCA (listed as Amaryllis / Hippeastrum). The toxic principles are lycorine and other Amaryllidaceae alkaloids, most concentrated in the bulb; ingestion causes vomiting, hypersalivation, diarrhoea, abdominal pain and lethargy, with tremors and cardiac arrhythmias possible in large amounts. 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 amaryllis 'red lion' toxic to dogs?
Per the ASPCA, Amaryllis 'Red Lion' (Hippeastrum 'Red Lion') is toxic to dogs. Dogs often chew more enthusiastically than cats, so a toxic plant like amaryllis 'red lion' is best removed from the floor and low shelves entirely.
What happens if my pet eats amaryllis 'red lion'?
Toxic to cats and dogs per the ASPCA (listed as Amaryllis / Hippeastrum). The toxic principles are lycorine and other Amaryllidaceae alkaloids, most concentrated in the bulb; ingestion causes vomiting, hypersalivation, diarrhoea, abdominal pain and lethargy, with tremors and cardiac arrhythmias possible in large amounts. 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 amaryllis 'red lion', treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What should I do if my cat or dog ate amaryllis 'red lion'?
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 amaryllis 'red lion' to the appointment helps the vet treat it correctly.
What are pet-safe alternatives to amaryllis 'red lion'?
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 amaryllis 'red lion' care
Pet-safety is one piece of the picture. For light, watering, soil, and troubleshooting, see the complete amaryllis 'red lion' care guide, or browse the full pet-safe plant library to check another plant before you buy it.