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 Flame Lily safe for cats?
Gloriosa superba
Climbing Lily is a tuberous climbing plant known for its striking, flame-like flowers. It contains colchicine, a potent alkaloid that is highly toxic to both cats and dogs if ingested.
Climbing LilyFlame LilyGloriosa LilyGloriosa superbaGlory Lily
- Light
- Bright indirect light
- Habit
- Vining climber
- Care
- Moderate
Safety status
What this means for your cat
Cats: emergency. The toxic principle is colchicine, an alkaloid that attacks rapidly dividing cells throughout the body — every part of this plant is dangerous, and the tubers and seeds are the most concentrated. Without treatment within roughly three hours of ingestion, organ damage can be irreversible.
What to watch for
Heavy drooling and bloody vomiting are usually first, followed by bloody diarrhea, weakness, and shock. Over the next 24–48 hours, kidney failure, liver failure, bone-marrow suppression, and disseminated intravascular coagulation can develop; a cat that stops urinating in that window has a poor prognosis.
Time window
First clinical signs typically about 2 hours after ingestion. Treatment is most effective if started within 3 hours; multi-organ damage progresses over 24–48 hours.
When to call the vet
Immediately, even before any signs appear. If you suspect ingestion, call ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888-426-4435) or Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661) and get to an ER vet — do not wait for symptoms.
First aid at home
Get to a veterinarian now. Do not induce vomiting at home unless a veterinarian or poison-control toxicologist tells you to — colchicine toxicity needs IV fluids, controlled decontamination, and clotting and organ monitoring that can only be done in clinic.
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
Drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and potential multi-organ failure.
Escalation note
This plant is considered highly toxic. Ingestion of any part, especially the tubers, is a medical emergency. Contact your veterinarian or an animal poison control center immediately if ingestion is suspected.
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
Kew Plants of the World Online
botanical · 95% reliability
Accepted scientific name and botanical distribution for Gloriosa superba.
Same cat verdict
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