Growli
Let's go

Pet safety

Is Forest Lily Amaryllis toxic to cats?

Hippeastrum aulicum

Toxic to cats

Yes — forest lily amaryllis 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. Hippeastrum aulicum is a Hippeastrum species; the ASPCA lists the genus as toxic to dogs and cats. Alkaloids including lycorine are present throughout the plant, with the highest concentration in the bulb. Ingestion causes vomiting, lethargy, and in significant amounts can cause more serious neurological effects.

What to do if your cat ate forest lily amaryllis

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

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

Is forest lily amaryllis toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is forest lily amaryllis toxic to cats?

Yes — forest lily amaryllis is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Hippeastrum aulicum is a Hippeastrum species; the ASPCA lists the genus as toxic to dogs and cats. Alkaloids including lycorine are present throughout the plant, with the highest concentration in the bulb. Ingestion causes vomiting, lethargy, and in significant amounts can cause more serious neurological effects.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats forest lily amaryllis?

Hippeastrum aulicum is a Hippeastrum species; the ASPCA lists the genus as toxic to dogs and cats. Alkaloids including lycorine are present throughout the plant, with the highest concentration in the bulb. Ingestion causes vomiting, lethargy, and in significant amounts can cause more serious neurological effects. 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 forest lily amaryllis.

What should I do if my cat ate forest lily amaryllis?

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 forest lily amaryllis toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Forest Lily Amaryllis is toxic to dogs as well. See the full forest lily amaryllis pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to forest lily amaryllis?

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 forest lily amaryllis pet-safety