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Is Long-lipped Tongue Orchid toxic to cats?

Serapias vomeracea

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists long-lipped tongue 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. Serapias vomeracea is not listed on the ASPCA Toxic/Non-Toxic Plant database. Terrestrial orchids in general are not considered dangerously poisonous, but Serapias has not been individually evaluated in veterinary toxicology literature. Because no confirmed non-toxic status can be established from an authoritative source, this plant is classified as mildly toxic as a precaution. Prevent pets from digging up and ingesting the underground tubers.

What to do if your cat ate long-lipped tongue orchid

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

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

Is long-lipped tongue orchid toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is long-lipped tongue orchid toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists long-lipped tongue 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. Serapias vomeracea is not listed on the ASPCA Toxic/Non-Toxic Plant database. Terrestrial orchids in general are not considered dangerously poisonous, but Serapias has not been individually evaluated in veterinary toxicology literature. Because no confirmed non-toxic status can be established from an authoritative source, this plant is classified as mildly toxic as a precaution. Prevent pets from digging up and ingesting the underground tubers.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats long-lipped tongue orchid?

Serapias vomeracea is not listed on the ASPCA Toxic/Non-Toxic Plant database. Terrestrial orchids in general are not considered dangerously poisonous, but Serapias has not been individually evaluated in veterinary toxicology literature. Because no confirmed non-toxic status can be established from an authoritative source, this plant is classified as mildly toxic as a precaution. Prevent pets from digging up and ingesting the underground tubers. 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 long-lipped tongue orchid.

What should I do if my cat ate long-lipped tongue 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 long-lipped tongue orchid toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to long-lipped tongue 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 long-lipped tongue orchid pet-safety