Cats & Dogs
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
Pet safety reference
Clivia
Clivia miniata
Clivia miniata is a popular flowering houseplant known for its vibrant orange or red clusters of blooms. It contains lycorine and other alkaloids that can cause gastrointestinal distress if ingested by pets.
CliviaClivia miniataKaffir Lily
- Light
- Low to medium indirect light
- Habit
- Clumping
- Care
- Low
Safety status
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, 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.
Dogs — concern notes
Common signs
Vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and potential tremors in severe cases.
Escalation note
The alkaloids present in the plant can cause systemic upset. Always consult a veterinarian if your dog shows signs of illness after exposure to 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
Clivia miniata is listed as toxic to both cats and dogs due to the presence of lycorine.
NC State Extension Plant Toolbox
botanical · 94% reliability
Clivia miniata is a shade-loving perennial that is toxic if ingested.
Questions about Clivia
Is clivia toxic to cats?
Yes, clivia (Clivia miniata) is toxic to cats. It contains lycorine and other alkaloids that can cause vomiting, diarrhea, excessive drooling, and abdominal pain if ingested.
What part of clivia is most dangerous to cats?
The bulbs are the most dangerous part — ingesting a bulb can cause significant irritation and may lead to more severe effects including tremors, weakness, low blood pressure, and irregular heart rate. Leaf chewing typically causes milder GI signs like drooling and vomiting.
How quickly will a cat show symptoms after eating clivia?
GI signs such as drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea typically appear within 1–4 hours of ingestion. More severe alkaloid effects like tremors or arrhythmia are not precisely documented but can develop over several hours, particularly after bulb ingestion.
What should I do if my cat ate clivia?
For leaf-only nibbles, monitor your cat and call your vet if vomiting or drooling repeats or your cat seems weak or wobbly. If your cat chewed a bulb or had a large ingestion, call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 immediately — don't wait for symptoms to appear.
Is clivia toxic to dogs?
Yes, clivia (Clivia miniata) is toxic to dogs. The plant contains lycorine and other alkaloids that can cause vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and tremors in severe cases.
What symptoms will my dog have after eating clivia?
GI signs — vomiting, drooling, and diarrhea — typically appear within 1–4 hours of ingestion. If your dog chewed a bulb, watch for more serious symptoms including tremors, weakness, an unsteady gait, pale gums, and in severe cases irregular heart rhythm or seizures.
What should I do if my dog ate clivia?
Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 immediately if your dog chewed a bulb. For leaf-only ingestions, monitor closely and call if vomiting or diarrhea repeats, if there is persistent drooling, or if your dog seems unusually weak or wobbly.
Is the clivia bulb more dangerous than the leaves for dogs?
Yes — the bulb is the most concerning part. Bulb ingestions are associated with the more severe effects: tremors, low blood pressure (visible as pale gums and lethargy), weakness, and potential seizures, on top of the GI upset that leaf chewing can cause. Treat any bulb exposure as an emergency and contact a vet right away.
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