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Pet safety

Is Bird's-nest Orchid toxic to cats?

Neottia nidus-avis

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists bird's-nest orchid 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. Neottia nidus-avis is not listed by the ASPCA as toxic and no specific toxic compounds have been identified in the literature. However, as a near-threatened wild orchid that cannot be cultivated, the absence of toxicity data means it cannot be confidently classified as pet-safe; classified here as mildly-toxic out of caution.

What to do if your cat ate bird's-nest orchid

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

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

Is bird's-nest orchid toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is bird's-nest orchid toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists bird's-nest orchid 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. Neottia nidus-avis is not listed by the ASPCA as toxic and no specific toxic compounds have been identified in the literature. However, as a near-threatened wild orchid that cannot be cultivated, the absence of toxicity data means it cannot be confidently classified as pet-safe; classified here as mildly-toxic out of caution.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats bird's-nest orchid?

Neottia nidus-avis is not listed by the ASPCA as toxic and no specific toxic compounds have been identified in the literature. However, as a near-threatened wild orchid that cannot be cultivated, the absence of toxicity data means it cannot be confidently classified as pet-safe; classified here as mildly-toxic out of caution. 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's-nest orchid.

What should I do if my cat ate bird's-nest orchid?

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's-nest orchid toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to bird's-nest orchid?

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's-nest orchid pet-safety