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 Lily safe for cats?
Clivia spp.
Clivia is a popular, slow-growing shade-loving plant known for its strap-like leaves and vibrant clusters of trumpet-shaped flowers. It contains lycorine and other alkaloids that can cause gastrointestinal distress if ingested by pets.
Clivia LilyClivia miniataClivia spp.Kaffir Lily
- Light
- Low to bright indirect light
- Habit
- Clumping
- Care
- Low
Safety status
What this means for your cat
Cats face the most concentrated risk from a chewed clivia bulb — even a small amount of the bulb can deliver enough lycorine and other alkaloids to push past simple GI upset. ASPCA classifies the whole plant as toxic to cats, and Pet Poison Helpline notes larger ingestions can cause tremors, low blood pressure, or cardiac rhythm changes. Treat any bulb chewing as a vet call, not a wait-and-see.
What to watch for
Drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea are the most common signs after a leaf or flower nibble. With a meaningful dose — especially from the bulb — watch for tremors, weakness, low blood pressure (cold paws, slow capillary refill), and irregular heartbeat or seizures. Cats may also stop eating and hide.
Time window
Exact timing isn't published for cats. Pet Poison Helpline groups clivia with rapid-onset bulb plants where GI signs typically begin within minutes to a few hours; cardiac and neurologic signs depend on dose.
When to call the vet
Call your vet or ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888-426-4435) any time you see drooling, repeated vomiting, or refusal to eat after a known or suspected nibble. Bulb ingestion, tremors, weakness, or collapse are emergencies — go now.
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, excessive drooling, and abdominal pain.
Escalation note
Ingestion of the plant, particularly the bulb, can cause significant gastrointestinal upset. Please contact your veterinarian 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
Same cat verdict
Related plants for cats
Bird of Paradise
Strelitzia reginae
The Bird of Paradise is a popular tropical houseplant known for its striking, crane-like orange and blue flowers. While visually stunning, it contains compounds that can cause gastrointestinal distress if ingested by pets.
Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.
Caladium
Caladium hortulanum
Caladiums are popular tropical foliage plants known for their vibrant, heart-shaped leaves. They contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that can cause irritation if ingested.
Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.
Carnation
Dianthus caryophyllus
The carnation is a popular flowering plant known for its ruffled petals and spicy fragrance. While beautiful in bouquets, it contains compounds that can cause mild irritation if ingested by pets.
Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.
Chinese Evergreen
Aglaonema modestum
Chinese Evergreen is a popular indoor foliage plant known for its patterned leaves and tolerance of low light conditions. It contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that can cause irritation if ingested or chewed.
Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.