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Is White bird of paradise toxic to cats?

Strelitzia nicolai

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists white 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. ASPCA lists Strelitzia as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses due to hydrocyanic acid in the flowers and seeds. Symptoms include nausea, diarrhoea, and drowsiness.

What to do if your cat ate white bird of paradise

  1. Remove any plant material from your cat's mouth and move white 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 white bird of paradise to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.

General guidance, not veterinary advice. If you think your cat has eaten white 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 white bird of paradise toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is white bird of paradise toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists white 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. ASPCA lists Strelitzia as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses due to hydrocyanic acid in the flowers and seeds. Symptoms include nausea, diarrhoea, and drowsiness.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats white bird of paradise?

ASPCA lists Strelitzia as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses due to hydrocyanic acid in the flowers and seeds. Symptoms include nausea, diarrhoea, and drowsiness. 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 white bird of paradise.

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

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: White bird of paradise is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full white bird of paradise pet-safety guide for both species.

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