What should I do if my cat ate Bird of Paradise?

Call your vet if vomiting happens more than once or twice, if your cat is unusually drowsy or unsteady, or if you know seeds were ingested. Call ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888-426-4435) for any seed ingestion to triage severity.

What should I do if my dog ate Bird of Paradise?

Call your vet if vomiting or diarrhea persist for more than a few hours, if your dog refuses food or water, or if there is significant drooling, mouth swelling, or lethargy. Call right away if seeds or fruit were eaten. Pet Poison Helpline: 855-764-7661.

Bird of Paradise — (c) Henry de Lange, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Henry de Lange — Photo by (c) Henry de Lange, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Henry de LangeiNaturalistCC BY

Photo by (c) Henry de Lange, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Henry de LangeiNaturalistCC BY

Pet safety reference

Bird of Paradise

Q: Is Bird of Paradise safe for cats?

Bird of Paradise is potentially toxic to cats. Ingestion typically results in mild to moderate gastrointestinal upset. Please contact your veterinarian if your cat has ingested any part of this plant.

Q: Is Bird of Paradise safe for dogs?

Bird of Paradise is potentially toxic to dogs. Symptoms are generally limited to the digestive tract. Consult a veterinarian if you suspect your dog has consumed the plant to ensure proper monitoring.

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.

Check a list

Bird of Paradise FlowerCrane FlowerStrelitziaStrelitzia reginae

Light: Bright indirect light
Habit: Clumping
Care: Moderate

Safety status

Cats & Dogs

Potentially toxic

Consulted references classify the plant as toxic or irritating for that pet type.

Verified against ASPCA/provenance audit 2026-05-06 on May 6, 2026.

Sources

ASPCA Toxic Plant List

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

Nausea, vomiting, and drowsiness.

Escalation note

Ingestion typically results in mild to moderate gastrointestinal upset. Please contact your veterinarian if your cat has ingested any part of this plant.

Dogs — concern notes

Common signs

Vomiting, diarrhea, and general malaise.

Escalation note

Symptoms are generally limited to the digestive tract. Consult a veterinarian if you suspect your dog has consumed the plant to ensure proper monitoring.

Safer alternatives

Safer pick

Banana Plant

Musa acuminata

Banana plant delivers the same paddle-shaped tropical drama and is non-toxic to cats and dogs.

Generally safe for cats & dogs.

Areca palm gives a pet-safe statement plant with similar architectural height.

Generally safe for cats & dogs.

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Source evidence

ASPCA Toxic Plant List

toxicology · 99% reliability

Open source

Bird of Paradise Flower is toxic to both cats and dogs, causing nausea, vomiting, and drowsiness.

NC State Extension Plant Toolbox

botanical · 94% reliability

Open source

Strelitzia reginae is a tender perennial known for its unique flower structure and large, banana-like leaves.

cats safety page My cat ate Bird of Paradise dogs safety page My dog ate Bird of Paradise

Same safety verdict

Other plants with the same verdict

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.

Clivia

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.

Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.

Same growing conditions

Plants for the same room

Areca Palm

Dypsis lutescens

The Areca Palm is a popular indoor palm known for its feathery, arching fronds and air-purifying qualities. It is considered safe for households with pets, though its fibrous nature may cause minor digestive discomfort if ingested in large quantities.

Generally safe for cats & dogs.

Australian Ivy Palm

Brassaia actinophylla

The Australian Ivy Palm is a popular indoor tree known for its large, umbrella-like leaves. It contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that can cause irritation upon ingestion.

Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.

Autograph Tree

Clusia major

Clusia major is a tropical evergreen shrub known for its thick, leathery leaves and unique ability to grow as an epiphyte. It is commonly kept as a houseplant for its architectural foliage, but it contains compounds that can cause irritation if ingested by pets.

Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.

Banana Plant

Musa acuminata

The banana plant is a popular tropical houseplant known for its large, paddle-shaped leaves and rapid growth. It is considered non-toxic to pets, though its fibrous nature may cause mild digestive discomfort if consumed in large quantities.

Generally safe for cats & dogs.