PlantLegitIs Amaryllis safe for cats, dogs and kids?
Amaryllis / Hippeastrum
No. It is toxic to dogs and cats.
- DogsToxic: risk named by NC State, and ASPCA agrees
- CatsToxic per ASPCA (NC State lists the plant without naming cats)
- KidsOn NC Poison Control's poisonous-plants list ("Amaryllis")
Sources (5)
- NC State, Plants Poisonous to Livestock and Pets: Amaryllis – herbarium.ncsu.edu
- Cite as: Hardin, J.W., C.F. Brownie, and A. Krings. 2018-present. Plants poisonous to livestock and pets in North Carolina, 2.0. North Carolina State University, Raleigh. http://herbarium.ncsu.edu/poisonous/ (accessed 2026-10-24)
- Poisonous Plants – NC Poison Control – ncpoisoncontrol.org
- See also: ASPCA entry for Amaryllis
- Poison Help line 1-800-222-1222 – HRSA – U.S. Health Resources & Services Administration
Think someone ate part of a plant?
- Child or adult: call Poison Help 1-800-222-1222 (free, confidential, 24/7; HRSA Poison Help).
- Dog or cat: call your veterinarian, or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888) 426-4435 (24/7; a fee may apply; ASPCA).
- Trouble breathing, seizures or collapse: call 911.
Details
NC State: NC State says amaryllis bulbs contain toxic alkaloids and are dangerous to dogs. NC State entry
ASPCA cross-check: ASPCA lists it (Amaryllis) as toxic to dogs and toxic to cats. See ASPCA
Kids: NC Poison Control lists "Amaryllis" as a potentially poisonous plant. Keep it out of reach of young children.
Planning outdoor beds for spring? What’s OK to Plant ($12) gives you the plants that are legal and not invasive for your ZIP code, with sources.
Related
We summarize published sources in our own words. Not medical or veterinary advice. Checked 2026-10-24.