Cats safety

Is Amaryllis Safe for Cats?

Quick answer

ASPCA lists Hippeastrum spp. (Barbados lily) as toxic to cats. It names lycorine and other alkaloids as toxic principles, with vomiting, salivation, and diarrhea among the signs; the bulb is the most poisonous part.

Amaryllis houseplant

Is Amaryllis safe for cats?

Toxic

ASPCA lists Hippeastrum spp. (Barbados lily) as toxic to cats. It names lycorine and other alkaloids as toxic principles, with vomiting, salivation, and diarrhea among the signs; the bulb is the most poisonous part.

Possible symptoms: vomiting, salivation, diarrhea

Sources

Disclaimer: This page is for general information only and is not veterinary advice. If your cats ate Amaryllis, contact your veterinarian or animal poison control immediately.

Safer alternatives for cats

Frequently asked questions

Is Amaryllis safe for cats?

ASPCA lists Hippeastrum spp. (Barbados lily) as toxic to cats. It names lycorine and other alkaloids as toxic principles, with vomiting, salivation, and diarrhea among the signs; the bulb is the most poisonous part.

What should I do if my cats ate Amaryllis?

Remove any remaining plant material, note how much was eaten, and contact your veterinarian or animal poison control immediately. Watch for: vomiting, salivation, diarrhea.

What are safer plant alternatives for cats?

Browse our verified list of plants safe for cats at /best-plants/plants-safe-for-cats/. Popular picks include spider plant, Boston fern, and areca palm for cat and dog households.

How this Amaryllis profile is reviewed?

Editorial policyReview board

Written by · Reviewed by LeafyPixels Review Board

This Amaryllis plant profile was researched and written by . Care facts, watering ranges, light needs, and pet-safety notes for Amaryllis are checked against multiple independent references before publication.

We prioritize sources that hold up under scrutiny:

  • University cooperative extension bulletins and fact sheets (Penn State, Clemson, UMD, NC State, and similar programs)
  • Botanical garden and horticultural society publications
  • Peer-reviewed plant science and veterinary toxicology references where pet safety matters (including ASPCA Animal Poison Control)
  • Established reference works on indoor plant culture

The LeafyPixels editorial team then reviews the draft for clarity, step-by-step usefulness, and fit with real apartment and home conditions-not ideal greenhouse setups. When guidance changes materially, we update the page and note the revision date.

Sources used

  1. ASPCA Animal Poison Control — Barbados Lily (n.d.) Hippeastrum spp. toxic classification, toxic principles, signs, and bulb risk for cats. [Online]. Available at: https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/aspca-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants/barbados-lily (Accessed: 1 March 2024).