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Is Amaryllis 'Red Lion' toxic to cats?

Hippeastrum 'Red Lion'

Toxic to cats

Yes — amaryllis 'red lion' 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. Toxic to cats and dogs per the ASPCA (listed as Amaryllis / Hippeastrum). The toxic principles are lycorine and other Amaryllidaceae alkaloids, most concentrated in the bulb; ingestion causes vomiting, hypersalivation, diarrhoea, abdominal pain and lethargy, with tremors and cardiac arrhythmias possible in large amounts.

What to do if your cat ate amaryllis 'red lion'

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

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

Is amaryllis 'red lion' toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is amaryllis 'red lion' toxic to cats?

Yes — amaryllis 'red lion' is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Toxic to cats and dogs per the ASPCA (listed as Amaryllis / Hippeastrum). The toxic principles are lycorine and other Amaryllidaceae alkaloids, most concentrated in the bulb; ingestion causes vomiting, hypersalivation, diarrhoea, abdominal pain and lethargy, with tremors and cardiac arrhythmias possible in large amounts.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats amaryllis 'red lion'?

Toxic to cats and dogs per the ASPCA (listed as Amaryllis / Hippeastrum). The toxic principles are lycorine and other Amaryllidaceae alkaloids, most concentrated in the bulb; ingestion causes vomiting, hypersalivation, diarrhoea, abdominal pain and lethargy, with tremors and cardiac arrhythmias possible in large amounts. 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 amaryllis 'red lion'.

What should I do if my cat ate amaryllis 'red lion'?

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 amaryllis 'red lion' toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Amaryllis 'Red Lion' is toxic to dogs as well. See the full amaryllis 'red lion' pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to amaryllis 'red lion'?

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 amaryllis 'red lion' pet-safety