Is Bird of paradise toxic to cats and dogs?Strelitzia reginae
Bird of paradise is toxic to cats and dogs.
Strelitzia reginae contains gastrointestinal irritants. In cats and dogs, mainly the fruit and seeds can cause these mild signs:
- mild nausea
- vomiting
- drowsiness
Pets at home? The app flags toxic plants before you buy — and warns you if you try to add one.Get the app →
The ASPCA Bird of Paradise Flower record identifies Strelitzia reginae, lists GI irritants with mild nausea, vomiting, and drowsiness mainly from fruit and seeds, and warns against confusing it with the more-toxic Caesalpinia gilliesii. This is reference information, not veterinary advice.
What to do if your pet ate it
If you think your cat or dog ate any part of Bird of paradise, act quickly. Do not wait for symptoms to appear.
- Remove the plant from the pet's reach.
- Call your vet or an emergency animal clinic immediately.
- You can also contact the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (available 24/7): a consultation fee may apply.
Do not induce vomiting unless a vet specifically instructs you to — it can make some poisonings worse.
Pet-safe alternatives with similar light
If you love the look of Bird of paradise but want a plant that's safer around curious cats and dogs, these non-toxic options have similar light needs:
Gerbera daisy, Cactus assortment, Echeveria. See all pet-safe alternatives →
Keeping pets safe around plants
Even non-toxic plants can cause mild stomach upset if eaten in large quantities. The Botanicaly app tracks your plants and flags toxicity risks — useful when you're building a pet-friendly indoor garden.
AI plant care in your pocket
Identify your Bird of paradise and build a basic care schedule for free. Pro adds context-first diagnosis, pruning and repotting advice, and watering tuned to your home's light and weather.
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Get the app →Frequently asked questions
Is Bird of paradise toxic to cats?
Yes — Strelitzia reginae is toxic to cats. ASPCA lists mild nausea, vomiting, and drowsiness, mainly after fruit or seeds are eaten. Contact your veterinarian if your cat has chewed the plant.
Is Bird of paradise toxic to dogs?
Yes — Bird of paradise, which contains GI irritants (mainly fruit and seeds), is considered toxic to dogs. Contact your vet immediately if your dog eats any part of it. Do not wait for symptoms.
What should I do if my cat ate Bird of paradise?
Call your vet or an emergency animal clinic immediately. You can also contact the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (24/7). Try to bring a piece of the plant or a photo so the vet can identify the species. Do not try to induce vomiting unless instructed by a professional.
Can I keep Bird of paradise with pets?
Bird of paradise is toxic to cats and dogs, so it is best kept out of reach — ideally in a room your pets cannot access, or replaced with a non-toxic alternative. See the pet-safe alternatives listed on this page.
