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Is Narrow-Leaved Bird of Paradise toxic to cats?

Strelitzia juncea

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists narrow-leaved bird of paradise 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. Not separately listed by the ASPCA, but the genus Strelitzia is recorded as mildly toxic to dogs and cats. Ingestion may cause mild nausea, vomiting, or drowsiness. Treat with the same precaution as S. reginae.

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

  1. Remove any plant material from your cat's mouth and move narrow-leaved 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-leaved 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-leaved 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-leaved bird of paradise toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is narrow-leaved bird of paradise toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists narrow-leaved bird of paradise 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. Not separately listed by the ASPCA, but the genus Strelitzia is recorded as mildly toxic to dogs and cats. Ingestion may cause mild nausea, vomiting, or drowsiness. Treat with the same precaution as S. reginae.

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

Not separately listed by the ASPCA, but the genus Strelitzia is recorded as mildly toxic to dogs and cats. Ingestion may cause mild nausea, vomiting, or drowsiness. Treat with the same precaution as S. reginae. 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-leaved bird of paradise.

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

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

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