Cats
Potentially toxicConsulted 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
cat safety reference
Is Amaryllis safe for cats?
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.
AmaryllisAmaryllis spp.Belladonna lilyHippeastrumHippeastrum spp.Hippeastrum spp.Jersey lilyKnight's Star Lily
- Light
- Bright indirect light
- Habit
- Bulbous perennial
- Care
- Moderate
Safety status
What this means for your cat
Amaryllis is toxic to cats, and the bulb is the most dangerous part. The whole plant contains lycorine and other phenanthridine alkaloids, but the alkaloids and oxalate crystals concentrate in the bulb — a cat that nibbles a leaf or petal usually shows mild GI signs, while a cat that chews into a bulb can show much more serious whole-body symptoms.
What to watch for
From leaves and flowers (most common): drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea, often with abdominal discomfort and loss of appetite. From a chewed bulb (more serious): weakness, low blood pressure, muscle tremors, and in severe cases seizures.
Time window
Signs can develop anywhere from a few minutes up to 24 hours after ingestion. With supportive care, leaf and flower exposures usually resolve in 24–48 hours; bulb ingestions may take longer.
When to call the vet
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.
First aid at home
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.
Sources: ASPCA, Pet Poison Helpline.
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.
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
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
Amaryllis is a genus of bulbous plants in the Amaryllidaceae family, known for showy flowers but noted as toxic to dogs and cats.
Same cat verdict
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