Knowing if amaryllis are poisonous to cats will help you keep your pets safe during the holidays.
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The flashy flowers ofamaryllisadd color, beauty, and elegance to winter holiday decor.
But are amaryllis poisonous to cats?
Credit:Jacqueline Anders / Getty Images
This is important to know if you give or receive one that pets will be around.
Cats are particularly notorious among pets for exploring the world teeth first, and this includes chewing on houseplants.
Because of this, you should take precautions or avoid growing amaryllis around cats, advises an expert.
Brent Heathis the co-owner of Brent and Becky’s Bulbs.
Amaryllis and Cats
Amaryllis (Hippeastrumspp.)
are in the Amaryllidaceae family.
All of these plants contain an alkaloid compound called lycorine.
In the garden, its presence can sometimes benefit gardenersdefending their plants from deer.
Deer and rabbits generally avoid plants in this family, but our curious pets may not.
Heaths family has been selling bulbs since 1900 and amaryllis for as long as he can remember.
They all have the toxicity from an alkaloid making their taste very astringent and highly distasteful, Heath says.
They are almost always deemed critter-proof."
While not typically fatal, chewing amaryllis can cause some troubling issues for pets.
Some pets ignore plants entirely, while others seem fascinated by them.
Supervision is key if you decide to let your pet near your amaryllis.
Keeping plants on the highest shelves can help.
Or keep your amaryllis in a room your pets can’t access.
Accessed October 25, 2024. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants/poinsettia.
Boldan M. Is a Christmas cactus poisonous to cats?
October 21, 2022.
Accessed October 25, 2024. https://www.petmd.com/cat/poisoning/christmas-cactus-toxicity.
