Pet safety
Is Mexican Lily toxic to cats?
Hippeastrum reginae
Yes — mexican lily 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. The ASPCA lists Hippeastrum (Amaryllis) as toxic to dogs and cats, causing vomiting, depression, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, hypersalivation, anorexia, and tremors. The bulb contains the highest concentration of lycorine and other Amaryllidaceae alkaloids.
What to do if your cat ate mexican lily
- Remove any plant material from your cat's mouth and move mexican lily out of reach.
- Note how much was eaten and when, and watch for drooling, vomiting, or lethargy.
- Do not induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist instructs you to.
- Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 in the US, or Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509 000 in the UK and follow their advice.
- Bring a leaf or photo of mexican lily to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.
General guidance, not veterinary advice. If you think your cat has eaten mexican lily, contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 in the US, or Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509 000 in the UK — do not wait for symptoms to worsen.
Is mexican lily toxic to cats? — FAQ
Is mexican lily toxic to cats?
Yes — mexican lily is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. The ASPCA lists Hippeastrum (Amaryllis) as toxic to dogs and cats, causing vomiting, depression, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, hypersalivation, anorexia, and tremors. The bulb contains the highest concentration of lycorine and other Amaryllidaceae alkaloids.
What are the symptoms if a cat eats mexican lily?
The ASPCA lists Hippeastrum (Amaryllis) as toxic to dogs and cats, causing vomiting, depression, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, hypersalivation, anorexia, and tremors. The bulb contains the highest concentration of lycorine and other Amaryllidaceae alkaloids. 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 mexican lily.
What should I do if my cat ate mexican 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 in the US, or Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509 000 in the UK and follow their advice; a leaf or photo helps the vet treat it correctly.
Is mexican lily toxic to dogs too?
The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Mexican Lily is toxic to dogs as well. See the full mexican lily pet-safety guide for both species.
What is a cat-safe alternative to mexican lily?
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.
Type any plant to see what the ASPCA says about it and your cat.
Full mexican lily pet-safety
- Is mexican lily toxic to cats and dogs? — the full guide for both pets
- Is mexican lily toxic to dogs?
- My cat ate mexican lily — emergency steps
- Best cats-safe plants — the full ASPCA non-toxic list
- Complete mexican lily care guide
- Best plant app for pet owners — which apps actually flag ASPCA toxicity before you buy the plant
Writing about plant safety? Embed our free pet-toxicity checker on your site — ASPCA-grounded verdicts for 11,000+ plants, no sign-up.