Is Amaryllis 'Christmas Gift' toxic to cats?

Yes — amaryllis 'christmas gift' is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. 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.

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 — watch for drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy after your cat has had access to amaryllis 'christmas gift'.

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.

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

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.