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Pet safety

Is Amaryllis toxic to cats?

Hippeastrum hybrids

Toxic to cats

Yes — amaryllis is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List. The ASPCA lists Amaryllis (family Amaryllidaceae) as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses, with lycorine and related alkaloids the toxic principles; the bulb is the most concentrated part. Reported signs include vomiting, drooling, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, lethargy, and tremors. Keep bulbs and plants out of reach and contact a vet if ingestion is suspected.

What to do if your cat ate amaryllis

  1. Remove any plant material from your cat's mouth and move amaryllis out of reach.
  2. Note how much was eaten and when, and watch for drooling, vomiting, or lethargy.
  3. Do not induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist instructs you to.
  4. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice.
  5. Bring a leaf or photo of amaryllis to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.

General guidance, not veterinary advice. If you think your cat has eaten amaryllis, contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 — do not wait for symptoms to worsen.

Is amaryllis toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is amaryllis toxic to cats?

Yes — amaryllis is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. The ASPCA lists Amaryllis (family Amaryllidaceae) as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses, with lycorine and related alkaloids the toxic principles; the bulb is the most concentrated part. Reported signs include vomiting, drooling, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, lethargy, and tremors. Keep bulbs and plants out of reach and contact a vet if ingestion is suspected.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats amaryllis?

The ASPCA lists Amaryllis (family Amaryllidaceae) as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses, with lycorine and related alkaloids the toxic principles; the bulb is the most concentrated part. Reported signs include vomiting, drooling, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, lethargy, and tremors. Keep bulbs and plants out of reach and contact a vet if ingestion is suspected. Signs usually appear soon after chewing rather than hours later — watch for drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy after your cat has had access to amaryllis.

What should I do if my cat ate amaryllis?

Stay calm. Remove any plant from your cat's mouth and take the plant away. Note how much was eaten and when, and do not induce vomiting unless told to. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice; a leaf or photo helps the vet treat it correctly.

Is amaryllis toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Amaryllis is toxic to dogs as well. See the full amaryllis pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to amaryllis?

Good cat-safe swaps that keep a similar look include bromeliad, moth orchid — all ASPCA non-toxic to cats and dogs. See the full pet-safe alternatives to amaryllis.

Full amaryllis pet-safety