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.
cat safety reference
Is Clivia safe for cats?
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
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.
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.
Sources: ASPCA, NC State Extension.
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.
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
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.
Same cat verdict
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