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Is Narrow-Leaf Bird of Paradise toxic to cats?

Strelitzia juncea

Toxic to cats

Yes — narrow-leaf 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. The ASPCA classifies Strelitzia as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses; toxic principles are GI irritants concentrated particularly in the fruit and seeds, including tannins and cyanogenic glycosides. Clinical signs include nausea, vomiting, drooling, diarrhoea, and drowsiness. Strelitzia juncea belongs to the same genus and carries the same risk. Contact ASPCA Poison Control (888-426-4435) or a vet if a pet ingests any part.

What to do if your cat ate narrow-leaf bird of paradise

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

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

Is narrow-leaf bird of paradise toxic to cats?

Yes — narrow-leaf 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. The ASPCA classifies Strelitzia as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses; toxic principles are GI irritants concentrated particularly in the fruit and seeds, including tannins and cyanogenic glycosides. Clinical signs include nausea, vomiting, drooling, diarrhoea, and drowsiness. Strelitzia juncea belongs to the same genus and carries the same risk. Contact ASPCA Poison Control (888-426-4435) or a vet if a pet ingests any part.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats narrow-leaf bird of paradise?

The ASPCA classifies Strelitzia as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses; toxic principles are GI irritants concentrated particularly in the fruit and seeds, including tannins and cyanogenic glycosides. Clinical signs include nausea, vomiting, drooling, diarrhoea, and drowsiness. Strelitzia juncea belongs to the same genus and carries the same risk. Contact ASPCA Poison Control (888-426-4435) or a vet if a pet ingests any part. 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 narrow-leaf bird of paradise.

What should I do if my cat ate narrow-leaf 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 narrow-leaf bird of paradise toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Narrow-Leaf Bird of Paradise is toxic to dogs as well. See the full narrow-leaf bird of paradise pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to narrow-leaf 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 narrow-leaf bird of paradise pet-safety