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Is Giant White Bird of Paradise toxic to cats?

Strelitzia nicolai

Toxic to cats

Yes — giant white bird of paradise is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List. ASPCA lists Strelitzia (Bird of Paradise Flower, Strelitzia reginae) as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses; toxic principles are GI irritants (primarily tannins and cyanogenic glycosides concentrated in the fruit and seeds). Clinical signs include nausea, vomiting, drooling, diarrhoea, and drowsiness. Strelitzia nicolai is the same genus and carries the same toxicity risk. Keep all parts of the plant away from pets and contact ASPCA Poison Control (888-426-4435) or a vet immediately if ingestion is suspected.

What to do if your cat ate giant white bird of paradise

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

General guidance, not veterinary advice. If you think your cat has eaten giant white 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 giant white bird of paradise toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is giant white bird of paradise toxic to cats?

Yes — giant white bird of paradise is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. ASPCA lists Strelitzia (Bird of Paradise Flower, Strelitzia reginae) as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses; toxic principles are GI irritants (primarily tannins and cyanogenic glycosides concentrated in the fruit and seeds). Clinical signs include nausea, vomiting, drooling, diarrhoea, and drowsiness. Strelitzia nicolai is the same genus and carries the same toxicity risk. Keep all parts of the plant away from pets and contact ASPCA Poison Control (888-426-4435) or a vet immediately if ingestion is suspected.

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

ASPCA lists Strelitzia (Bird of Paradise Flower, Strelitzia reginae) as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses; toxic principles are GI irritants (primarily tannins and cyanogenic glycosides concentrated in the fruit and seeds). Clinical signs include nausea, vomiting, drooling, diarrhoea, and drowsiness. Strelitzia nicolai is the same genus and carries the same toxicity risk. Keep all parts of the plant away from pets and contact ASPCA Poison Control (888-426-4435) or a vet immediately if ingestion is suspected. 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 giant white bird of paradise.

What should I do if my cat ate giant white 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 giant white bird of paradise toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to giant white 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 giant white bird of paradise pet-safety