Growli
Let's go

Pet safety

Is Fly Orchid toxic to cats?

Ophrys insectifera

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists fly 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. Ophrys insectifera is not individually listed on the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant database. The Orchidaceae family is broadly considered low-risk, but ingestion of tubers may cause mild gastrointestinal upset; classified as mildly-toxic in the absence of a confirmed ASPCA non-toxic listing for this wild species.

What to do if your cat ate fly orchid

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

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

Is fly orchid toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is fly orchid toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists fly 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. Ophrys insectifera is not individually listed on the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant database. The Orchidaceae family is broadly considered low-risk, but ingestion of tubers may cause mild gastrointestinal upset; classified as mildly-toxic in the absence of a confirmed ASPCA non-toxic listing for this wild species.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats fly orchid?

Ophrys insectifera is not individually listed on the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant database. The Orchidaceae family is broadly considered low-risk, but ingestion of tubers may cause mild gastrointestinal upset; classified as mildly-toxic in the absence of a confirmed ASPCA non-toxic listing for this wild species. 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 fly orchid.

What should I do if my cat ate fly 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 fly orchid toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to fly 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 fly orchid pet-safety