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Pet safety

Is Bird of paradise toxic to cats?

Strelitzia reginae

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists bird of paradise as mildly toxic to cats — a chewing cat typically gets mouth irritation, drooling, and vomiting rather than a medical emergency, but it is still best kept out of reach. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List. ASPCA lists Strelitzia reginae as toxic to cats and dogs. Symptoms include nausea, drowsiness, and digestive upset.

What to do if your cat ate bird of paradise

  1. Remove any plant material from your cat's mouth and move bird of paradise 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 bird of paradise to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.

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

Is bird of paradise toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is bird of paradise toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists bird of paradise as mildly toxic to cats — a chewing cat typically gets mouth irritation, drooling, and vomiting rather than a medical emergency, but it is still best kept out of reach. ASPCA lists Strelitzia reginae as toxic to cats and dogs. Symptoms include nausea, drowsiness, and digestive upset.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats bird of paradise?

ASPCA lists Strelitzia reginae as toxic to cats and dogs. Symptoms include nausea, drowsiness, and digestive upset. 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 bird of paradise.

What should I do if my cat ate bird of paradise?

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 bird of paradise toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Bird of paradise is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full bird of paradise pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to bird of paradise?

For a similar look without the risk, see the best cats-safe plants list — every plant there is ASPCA non-toxic to cats and dogs.

Full bird of paradise pet-safety