Is Crimson Flag Lily toxic to cats?

Yes — crimson flag lily is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Pet Poison Helpline lists Kaffir lily (Hesperantha coccinea) as toxic to dogs and cats. The toxic principle is lycorine, an alkaloid found in all parts of the plant. Clinical signs include vomiting, drooling, retching, and gastrointestinal distress; large ingestions (particularly of the rhizomes) may cause low blood pressure, heart rhythm disturbances, weakness, and seizures. Unlike true lilies (Lilium), it does not cause acute kidney injury in cats.

Pet Poison Helpline lists Kaffir lily (Hesperantha coccinea) as toxic to dogs and cats. The toxic principle is lycorine, an alkaloid found in all parts of the plant. Clinical signs include vomiting, drooling, retching, and gastrointestinal distress; large ingestions (particularly of the rhizomes) may cause low blood pressure, heart rhythm disturbances, weakness, and seizures. Unlike true lilies (Lilium), it does not cause acute kidney injury in cats. 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 crimson flag lily.

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: Crimson Flag Lily is toxic to dogs as well. See the full crimson flag lily 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.