- Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.
With their bold colors, the trumpet-shaped amaryllis flower is a welcome reprieve from the dull days of winter. These popular blooms are everywhere during the holiday season, but we think they’re lovely at any time of year. While there’s no question of their beauty, are these striking flowers safe to have around our feline companions? Are amaryllis poisonous to cats?
Unfortunately, the answer is yes—amaryllis are considered toxic to both cats and dogs. And even though the flower’s level of toxicity is considered to be mild to moderate, these flowers should be kept away from your cat.
Read on to learn more about how amaryllis affects cats, as well as how to spot signs of amaryllis poisoning and how to treat it.
Are Amaryllis Poisonous To Cats?
The ASPCA classifies amaryllis as toxic to both cats and dogs. While they’re not as dangerous as lilies, amaryllis can still make your furry pal pretty sick if ingested.
A toxin known as lycorine is to blame for this reaction in cats. Lycorine is an alkaloid commonly found in Amaryllidaceae plant species. You can find lycorine in every part of an amaryllis, including the plant’s stem, leaves, and petals. The chemical is most concentrated, however, in the plant’s bulb, making this the most dangerous part of the flower.
According to the Pet Poison Helpline, amaryllis flowers can also harm your pet’s mouth. Like daffodils, amaryllis contain sharp calcium oxalate crystals that irritate the lips, gums, and tongue if swallowed. Watch your pet for excessive salivation and pawing at the mouth.
What Are The Signs Of Amaryllis Poisoning In Cats?
The severity of amaryllis poisoning is dependent on two main factors: what part of the plant your kitty has nibbled, and how much of it she’s consumed. If you suspect your cat has helped herself to a generous serving of amaryllis, be on the lookout for the following signs:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Excessive drooling
- Loss of appetite
- Lethargy
- Depression
- Tremors
- Low blood pressure
- Respiratory depression
What To Do If Your Cat Has Eaten An Amaryllis
First: don’t panic. It’s important to remember that amaryllis poisoning is rarely fatal in cats. And unless your pet eats a substantial amount of the flower, her odds of a full recovery—even without veterinary intervention—are incredibly high. If you catch your kitty in the act, the first thing you should do is remove any plant matter you see from her mouth and/or fur.
Next, give your vet a call. Even though you may be able to bypass a visit to the clinic, it’s best to check in with a professional. If your cat does wind up needing treatment, the sooner it’s started, the better.
If you can, let your vet know which part of the amaryllis your cat has consumed and how much. Or better yet—bring a sample of the plant into the clinic to help your vet determine its level of toxicity. A quick snapshot on your phone will also work.
To treat amaryllis poisoning, your vet may administer medication to induce vomiting. Activated charcoal can also be used to move the toxins through your cat’s digestive tract, according to PetMD. If your cat has been vomiting a lot, she may require intravenous fluids to combat dehydration.
What If I Have Amaryllis In My Home Or Garden?
Of course, you may already have amaryllis in your yard or home. Can you still enjoy these lovely blooms AND keep your cat safe?
Of course you can. You just need to exercise caution.
If you were given a bouquet with amaryllis, your safest option is to regift them. But if you’d prefer not to part with your flowers, simply make sure they’re inaccessible to your cat. Place amaryllis and other toxic plants out of your pet’s reach, keeping in mind that cats are naturally good jumpers. Put them on a high shelf or in a room that’s off-limits to your cat.
If you have amaryllis in your garden, always supervise your cat during outdoor activities. To keep her away from toxic flowers, you can install netting or fencing. A motion-sensor sprinkler is another harmless—and usually effective—deterrent. You might also consider planting something that’s intended specifically for your cat, like catnip or cat grass, to lure her away from toxic plants.
If your cat is a particularly curious eater, perhaps it’s time to replace your amaryllis with something a little more cat-friendly, like roses or Gerbera daisies.
Cat-friendly Alternatives To Amaryllis
If you’re in the planning stages of setting up a new garden, it’s important to stick with plants that are nontoxic to your feline pal. Here are some cat-approved options that will add a beautiful touch to your outdoor space:
- Gerbera Daisy
- Orchid
- Rose
- Spring crocus
- Snapdragon
- Limonium
- Waxflower
- Statice
- Freesia
- Sunflower
- Zinnia
- Bromeliads
- Lipstick plant
- Burro’s tail
In the end, it’s our responsibility as cat owners to keep our homes free of dangerous plants and other toxins. To learn more about plant toxicity and cats, check out Rover’s comprehensive database of poisonous plants to dogs and cats.