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Pet safety

Is Nun's Orchid toxic to cats?

Phaius tankervilleae

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists nun's 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. Phaius is not individually listed by the ASPCA; treat with caution and verify with a vet. Orchids as a family are generally regarded as non-toxic and the ASPCA lists Phalaenopsis as non-toxic to cats and dogs, but because this genus is not specifically ASPCA-assessed, keep it out of pets' reach and contact a vet if any part is eaten.

What to do if your cat ate nun's orchid

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

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

Is nun's orchid toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is nun's orchid toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists nun's 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. Phaius is not individually listed by the ASPCA; treat with caution and verify with a vet. Orchids as a family are generally regarded as non-toxic and the ASPCA lists Phalaenopsis as non-toxic to cats and dogs, but because this genus is not specifically ASPCA-assessed, keep it out of pets' reach and contact a vet if any part is eaten.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats nun's orchid?

Phaius is not individually listed by the ASPCA; treat with caution and verify with a vet. Orchids as a family are generally regarded as non-toxic and the ASPCA lists Phalaenopsis as non-toxic to cats and dogs, but because this genus is not specifically ASPCA-assessed, keep it out of pets' reach and contact a vet if any part is eaten. 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 nun's orchid.

What should I do if my cat ate nun's 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 nun's orchid toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Nun's Orchid is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full nun's orchid pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to nun's 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 nun's orchid pet-safety