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
Questions about Clivia Lily
Is clivia lily toxic to cats?
Yes, clivia lily (Clivia spp.) is potentially 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 lily is most dangerous to cats?
The bulb is the most dangerous part — ingestion of the bulb can cause significant gastrointestinal upset and, with a meaningful dose, more serious signs like tremors, weakness, low blood pressure, and irregular heartbeat. Leaves and flowers can also cause GI distress.
What symptoms should I watch for if my cat ate a clivia lily?
After a leaf or flower nibble, watch for drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea. If your cat ingested a larger amount — especially from the bulb — monitor for tremors, weakness, cold paws, slow capillary refill, irregular heartbeat, seizures, refusal to eat, or hiding. GI signs can appear within minutes to a few hours.
What should I do if my cat ate a clivia lily?
Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 any time you notice drooling, repeated vomiting, or refusal to eat after a known or suspected nibble. Bulb ingestion, tremors, weakness, or collapse are emergencies — seek veterinary care immediately.
Same cat verdict
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