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.
Questions about Flame Lily
Is Flame Lily (Gloriosa superba) toxic to cats?
Yes, Flame Lily is highly toxic to cats. It contains colchicine, a potent alkaloid, and ingestion of any part of the plant — especially the tubers — is considered a medical emergency that can lead to multi-organ failure.
What symptoms will a cat show after eating Flame Lily?
Heavy drooling and bloody vomiting typically appear within about 2 hours of ingestion, followed by bloody diarrhea, weakness, and shock. Over the next 24–48 hours, kidney failure, liver failure, bone-marrow suppression, and dangerous clotting disorders can develop; a cat that stops urinating in that window has a poor prognosis.
What should I do if my cat ate Flame Lily?
Get to an emergency veterinarian immediately — do not wait for symptoms to appear. Do not try to induce vomiting at home; colchicine toxicity requires IV fluids, controlled decontamination, and close organ monitoring that can only be done in a clinic. Call ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888) 426-4435 or Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661) on your way.
How quickly does Flame Lily poisoning progress in cats, and does the dose matter?
Treatment is most effective when started within 3 hours of ingestion; multi-organ damage then progresses over 24–48 hours. There is no safe dose — ingestion of any part of the plant, including a small amount of tuber, warrants an immediate emergency visit.
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