Is Spider Lily Toxic to Cats?
Also known as: Red Spider Lily, Hurricane Lily, Higanbana · Lycoris radiata
What makes it toxic
Lycorine and related Amaryllidaceae alkaloids, concentrated in the bulb. Lycorine triggers violent vomiting and, in larger doses, affects blood pressure and the nervous system.
Warning signs to watch for
Drooling, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain within a few hours of chewing leaves or bulb. Large ingestions can add tremors, low blood pressure and collapse.
What to do if your cat eats it
Remove plant material and call your vet the same day for any confirmed chewing; bulb ingestion is urgent. Trembling, collapse or pale gums mean go to the clinic immediately.
Common questions
Is the red spider lily worse than the white one?
All Lycoris species contain lycorine-type alkaloids, so color does not make a safe version. Treat every spider lily as toxic.
My florist sold a spider lily — is that a different plant?
Beach spider lily (Hymenocallis) is a related bulb that also contains lycorine-like alkaloids. The safe rule is that anything sold as a spider lily is toxic.
Is sniffing the flowers dangerous?
No. Poisoning requires chewing or swallowing plant material, though cats should never lick pollen off their fur after contact.
More plants checked for cats
This page is general educational information, not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. Every pet is different — if your animal ate something concerning, contact your veterinarian or a pet poison hotline right away. Checking what your pet can eat? Visit our sister site SafeOrToxic.