Clivia, a genus of flowering plants within the Amaryllidaceae family, is a popular ornamental houseplant prized for its clusters of trumpet-shaped flowers and deep green, strap-like leaves. While aesthetically pleasing, it is crucial for pet owners to understand that Clivia is indeed toxic to both cats and dogs. The plant contains several alkaloids, with lycorine being the primary toxic compound. These alkaloids are naturally occurring chemical defenses for the plant, deterring herbivores from consuming its tissues. All parts of the Clivia plant—leaves, stems, flowers, and especially the bulbs—contain these toxic compounds, making the entire plant a potential hazard.
When ingested by a cat or dog, the lycorine in Clivia acts as an irritant to the gastrointestinal system and can induce vomiting. This is often the body's first and most immediate reaction to expel the toxin. The compound can also affect the nervous system. The severity of the symptoms is directly related to the amount of plant material consumed. Common clinical signs of Clivia poisoning include excessive salivation (drooling), vomiting, and diarrhea. In more severe cases, particularly with large ingestions, an animal may exhibit symptoms such as lethargy, tremors, or even seizures. It is important to note that symptoms can appear relatively quickly after ingestion.
If you suspect your pet has ingested any part of a Clivia plant, immediate action is required. First, safely remove any plant material from your pet's mouth. Contact your veterinarian or an animal poison control center without delay. Be prepared to provide information such as the type of plant, the part ingested, the approximate quantity, and the time of ingestion. Do not induce vomiting unless explicitly instructed to do so by a veterinary professional, as this can sometimes cause more harm. Treatment is typically supportive and may include administering activated charcoal to bind the toxins and intravenous fluids to prevent dehydration and support the system as the toxin is processed.
The most effective strategy is prevention. As a plant owner and pet parent, the safest approach is to place Clivia plants completely out of reach. However, considering cats can jump to high shelves and some dogs are curious chewers, the most guaranteed method is to not keep toxic plants in a household with pets at all. Fortunately, many beautiful and safe alternatives can satisfy a green thumb without posing a risk. Pet-friendly plants include African Violets (Saintpaulia), Spider Plants (Chlorophytum comosum), certain Calathea and Maranta species (Prayer Plants), and Boston Ferns (Nephrolepis exaltata). Always verify a plant's safety with a reliable source like the ASPCA's toxic and non-toxic plant list before bringing it into a home with animals.
