Plant safety · 2 min read

Are Spider lilies (Hymenocallis) toxic to cats?

No — dangerous

No. Spider lilies (<em>Hymenocallis</em>) 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)

  1. Move your cat away from the spider lily.
  2. Don't induce vomiting at home — this is dangerous in cats.
  3. Call your vet or out-of-hours emergency vet immediately.
  4. If you can't reach a vet, call the Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509000 — 24/7, charges apply.
  5. Note how much spider lily was eaten, when, and your cat's weight.

What's the full picture?

Despite the name, spider lilies aren't Lilium species — so they don't cause the kidney-failure syndrome that true lilies do. But they are still toxic, and the plant contains the same alkaloids as daffodils.

Signs are mostly digestive: severe vomiting, drooling, diarrhoea. Larger ingestions can cause tremors, cardiac changes, and low blood pressure.

Bulbs are the most toxic part. Cats that dig in garden beds or potted bulbs are at risk.

Symptoms to watch for

0–6 hours
Severe vomiting, drooling, diarrhoea.
6–24 hours
Tremors, weakness with larger amounts.

If you're worried right now

Call your vet or out-of-hours emergency vet first. For poison advice, the Animal PoisonLine (UK) is on 01202 509000 — 24/7, charges apply. Your vet can also call the Veterinary Poisons Information Service (VPIS) directly.

Daffodils no Daylilies no Lilies no

About this guidance

Every entry on this site is compiled from published UK veterinary toxicology sources — International Cat Care, Veterinary Poisons Information Service (VPIS) references, RCVS-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 UK 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 Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509000 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 What Can My Cat Eat? editorial team

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