Growli

Pet safety

Is Guernsey Lily toxic to cats?

Nerine sarniensis

Toxic to cats

Yes — guernsey 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 Nerine as toxic to dogs and cats. Nerine sarniensis, like all nerines, contains lycorine and related Amaryllidaceae alkaloids in all parts of the plant, most concentrated in the bulb. Symptoms of ingestion include vomiting, drooling, and lethargy. Seek veterinary attention promptly if ingestion is suspected.

What to do if your cat ate guernsey lily

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

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

Is guernsey lily toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is guernsey lily toxic to cats?

Yes — guernsey 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 Nerine as toxic to dogs and cats. Nerine sarniensis, like all nerines, contains lycorine and related Amaryllidaceae alkaloids in all parts of the plant, most concentrated in the bulb. Symptoms of ingestion include vomiting, drooling, and lethargy. Seek veterinary attention promptly if ingestion is suspected.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats guernsey lily?

The ASPCA lists Nerine as toxic to dogs and cats. Nerine sarniensis, like all nerines, contains lycorine and related Amaryllidaceae alkaloids in all parts of the plant, most concentrated in the bulb. Symptoms of ingestion include vomiting, drooling, and lethargy. Seek veterinary attention promptly 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 guernsey lily.

What should I do if my cat ate guernsey 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 guernsey lily toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to guernsey 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 guernsey lily pet-safety