Safety verdict
Consulted references classify the plant as toxic or irritating for that pet type.
Pet ingestion lookup
My cat ate Clivia - what should I do?
Clivia miniata
Potentially toxic
Contact your veterinarian or an animal poison-control resource now, especially if any amount was chewed or swallowed.
Verified against ASPCA/provenance audit 2026-05-06 on May 6, 2026.
Signs to watch for
Vomiting, diarrhea, excessive drooling, and abdominal pain.
Escalation note
Ingestion of the plant, particularly the bulbs, can cause significant irritation. Please contact your veterinarian or an animal poison control center if you suspect your cat has ingested any part of this plant.
What to watch for
Drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea from leaf chewing. With larger or bulb ingestions, watch for tremors, weakness, low blood pressure (lethargy, pale gums), or an irregular heart rate.
Time window
Not precisely documented. GI signs typically appear within 1–4 hours of ingestion; severe alkaloid effects (tremors, arrhythmia) can develop over several hours after a bulb ingestion.
When to call the vet
Call your vet or ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888-426-4435) immediately if your cat chewed a bulb or had a large ingestion. For leaf-only nibbles, call if vomiting/drooling repeats or if your cat seems weak or wobbly.
What this means for your cat
Clivia (Kaffir lily) is a houseplant cats can reach easily, and ASPCA lists it as toxic to cats. The leaves cause GI upset, but the real concern is the bulb — if your cat dug into a pot and chewed bulb tissue, the lycorine and other alkaloids can produce more serious systemic signs.
Sources: ASPCA, NC State Extension.
Poison-control resources
This page summarizes source-bound plant-safety information and is not veterinary advice.