What should I do if my cat ate Amaryllis?

Get your cat away from the plant and clear any chewed material from her mouth — a quick rinse with water can help wash out irritants. Do not induce vomiting at home. Call your vet or a poison control line right away, and if you can, bring a sample of the chewed plant (especially any bulb fragments) with you so the clinic knows what they're treating. Call ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 or Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661 immediately for any suspected bulb chew, or any time your cat seems wobbly, weak, or unresponsive. For leaf or petal nibbles, call if drooling and vomiting don't ease within an hour or two.

What should I do if my dog ate Amaryllis?

Move your dog away from the plant and pick up any pieces — especially bulb fragments. Wipe out the mouth with a damp cloth if you see plant material there. Do not induce vomiting at home. Call your vet or a poison control line before giving anything by mouth, and bring a sample of what was chewed with you if you can. Call your vet, ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435, or Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661 immediately if your dog has gotten into a bulb or eaten a large amount of leaves. For small leaf or flower chews, call if drooling and vomiting don't ease within an hour or two, or if your dog seems wobbly, weak, or in pain.

Amaryllis — Albert König — Photo by Albert KönigWikimedia CommonsPublic domain

Photo by Albert KönigWikimedia CommonsPublic domain

Pet safety reference

Amaryllis

Q: Is Amaryllis safe for cats?

Amaryllis is potentially toxic to cats. Ingestion of the bulb is particularly dangerous due to higher concentrations of toxins. Please contact your veterinarian or an animal poison control center immediately if you suspect ingestion.

Q: Is Amaryllis safe for dogs?

Amaryllis is potentially toxic to dogs. Clinical signs can vary based on the amount ingested. Always consult a veterinarian if your dog has chewed on or eaten any part of this plant.

Amaryllis spp.

Also known as Hippeastrum spp.

Amaryllis is a popular bulbous plant known for its large, trumpet-shaped flowers, but it contains compounds that are harmful if ingested by pets. It is best kept out of reach of curious animals to prevent accidental exposure.

Check a list

AmaryllisAmaryllis spp.Belladonna lilyHippeastrumHippeastrum spp.Hippeastrum spp.Jersey lilyKnight's Star Lily

Light: Bright indirect light
Habit: Bulbous perennial
Care: Moderate

Safety status

Cats & Dogs

Potentially toxic

Consulted references classify the plant as toxic or irritating for that pet type.

Verified against ASPCA/provenance audit 2026-05-06 on May 6, 2026.

Sources

ASPCA Toxic Plant List

If a pet has chewed or swallowed plant material and is showing symptoms, contact a veterinarian or poison resource immediately. This product is for structured reference, not diagnosis.

Cats — concern notes

Common signs

Vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, hypersalivation, and tremors.

Escalation note

Ingestion of the bulb is particularly dangerous due to higher concentrations of toxins. Please contact your veterinarian or an animal poison control center immediately if you suspect ingestion.

Dogs — concern notes

Common signs

Vomiting, diarrhea, decreased appetite, lethargy, and abdominal discomfort.

Escalation note

Clinical signs can vary based on the amount ingested. Always consult a veterinarian if your dog has chewed on or eaten any part of this plant.

Safer alternatives

No hand-picked alternatives for this plant yet. You can still pick your own using the Compare button on any other plant.

Source evidence

ASPCA Toxic Plant List

toxicology · 99% reliability

Open source

Amaryllis contains lycorine and other phenanthridine alkaloids which can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain in pets.

NC State Extension Plant Toolbox

botanical · 94% reliability

Open source

Amaryllis is a genus of bulbous plants in the Amaryllidaceae family, known for showy flowers but noted as toxic to dogs and cats.

cats safety page My cat ate Amaryllis dogs safety page My dog ate Amaryllis

Same safety verdict

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