Growli
Let's go

Pet safety

Is Natal Lily toxic to cats?

Clivia miniata

Toxic to cats

Yes — natal 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. Confirmed toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA (Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant database — Clivia Lily entry). Toxic principles are lycorine and related Amaryllidaceae alkaloids, which cause vomiting, salivation, and diarrhoea; large ingestions can cause convulsions, low blood pressure, tremors, and cardiac arrhythmias. The bulb and rhizome are the most toxic parts. Unlike true lilies (Lilium spp.), Clivia miniata does not cause acute renal failure in cats, but it remains a serious hazard. Contact the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888-426-4435) if ingestion is suspected.

What to do if your cat ate natal lily

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

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

Is natal lily toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is natal lily toxic to cats?

Yes — natal lily is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Confirmed toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA (Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant database — Clivia Lily entry). Toxic principles are lycorine and related Amaryllidaceae alkaloids, which cause vomiting, salivation, and diarrhoea; large ingestions can cause convulsions, low blood pressure, tremors, and cardiac arrhythmias. The bulb and rhizome are the most toxic parts. Unlike true lilies (Lilium spp.), Clivia miniata does not cause acute renal failure in cats, but it remains a serious hazard. Contact the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888-426-4435) if ingestion is suspected.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats natal lily?

Confirmed toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA (Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant database — Clivia Lily entry). Toxic principles are lycorine and related Amaryllidaceae alkaloids, which cause vomiting, salivation, and diarrhoea; large ingestions can cause convulsions, low blood pressure, tremors, and cardiac arrhythmias. The bulb and rhizome are the most toxic parts. Unlike true lilies (Lilium spp.), Clivia miniata does not cause acute renal failure in cats, but it remains a serious hazard. Contact the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888-426-4435) 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 natal lily.

What should I do if my cat ate natal 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 and follow their advice; a leaf or photo helps the vet treat it correctly.

Is natal lily toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to natal 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.

Full natal lily pet-safety