Are Spider lilies (Hymenocallis) toxic to cats?
No. Spider lilies (Hymenocallis) are not true lilies but are still toxic to cats — they contain lycorine and other alkaloids that cause severe GI upset and, in larger ingestions, neurological signs.
If your cat has just eaten spider lilies (hymenocallis)
- Move your cat away from the spider lily.
- Don't induce vomiting at home — this is dangerous in cats.
- Call your vet or out-of-hours emergency vet immediately.
- If you can't reach a vet, call the ASPCA Poison Control on (888) 426-4435 — 24/7, charges apply.
- Note how much spider lily was eaten, when, and your cat's weight.
What's the full picture?
Spider lilies (Lycoris radiata, also called red spider lily or hurricane lily) are toxic to cats. Like other members of the Amaryllidaceae family, they contain lycorine and related alkaloids throughout the plant — particularly concentrated in the bulb. Lycorine causes vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and in larger amounts, hypotension and seizures.
Spider lilies are commonly confused with true lilies (Lilium) and daylilies (Hemerocallis) in online safety discussions. All three are toxic to cats, but through different mechanisms and with different severity. True lilies and daylilies cause acute kidney failure in cats from even tiny exposures (pollen contact, drinking vase water). Spider lilies cause primarily GI and neurological toxicity, not kidney failure — serious, but typically less acutely fatal than true lily exposure.
The bulbs are the highest-concentration part of the spider lily. Cats that dig in garden soil where bulbs are planted, or that access stored bulbs, face the highest risk. The flowers and leaves carry lower concentrations but are still toxic. Lycoris bulbs are sometimes sold labeled as 'magic lily' or 'surprise lily' — same plant, same risk.
Spider lilies are popular in Southern US gardens and are also widely cultivated in Asia. They bloom in late summer to fall, often without visible foliage (the leaves die back before flowers appear), which means they can appear suddenly in a garden and catch cat owners off guard. If you have them in your garden and your cat goes outside, be aware of when they're in bloom.
Treatment for spider lily ingestion typically involves inducing vomiting (if recent), activated charcoal, and supportive care. Time is important — call your vet or ASPCA Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 promptly if you suspect ingestion.
Symptoms to watch for
Emergency vet treatment for poisoning typically costs $800–$3,000 in the US. Pet insurance covers it — and you can get a quote in under 2 minutes.
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. We also earn commission from other retail partners. Links below are affiliate links.
Cat Owner Essentials
Questions owners ask
Are spider lilies as dangerous as regular lilies for cats?
Spider lilies are toxic but cause different damage than true lilies (Lilium). True lilies and daylilies cause acute kidney failure — even pollen contact can be fatal. Spider lilies cause primarily GI and neurological toxicity through lycorine alkaloids. Both are serious and require vet attention, but true lily exposure is a more immediately life-threatening emergency.
What parts of the spider lily are toxic?
The whole plant contains lycorine alkaloids, but the bulb has the highest concentration. Flowers, leaves, and stems are also toxic. If your cat digs up or chews a bulb, treat it as a serious ingestion and contact your vet immediately.
My cat was near spider lily plants but I'm not sure if they ate any. What should I do?
Monitor closely for symptoms: drooling, vomiting, lethargy, or loss of coordination. If you see any symptoms, or if you have any reason to believe ingestion occurred, call your vet or ASPCA Poison Control at (888) 426-4435. Don't wait to see if symptoms worsen.
If you love the look but not the risk, pet-safe artificial plants are indistinguishable on a shelf and completely nibble-proof.
Recommended for Cat Households
Related
About this guidance
Every entry on this site is compiled from published US veterinary toxicology sources — AAFP, ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (ASPCA APCC) references, AVMA-registered practice materials, and peer-reviewed feline medicine literature. Where the evidence is mixed, we err on the cautious side because cats are unusually sensitive to many common substances that are harmless to humans and even to dogs.
This is general information written for US cat owners. It is not personalised veterinary advice for your specific cat, their age, weight, medical history, or the exact exposure you're dealing with. If your cat has eaten something or is unwell, call your vet first. The ASPCA Poison Control on (888) 426-4435 is available 24/7 for a small fee and can tell you whether an emergency visit is needed.
Entries are reviewed and updated as new research emerges. Spotted an error? Let us know — corrections are investigated and applied within 24 hours. For more context on how we work, see about and our full disclaimer.
Last reviewed: · By the Cat Ate It editorial team