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Amaryllis toxic to pets: Can touching it harm my cat or home?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Female | spayed | 7 years and 5 months old | 7 lbs

My cousin sent me an Amaryllis bulb for Christmas (Which is in the Lily family.) Since its toxic to pets I was planning on putting it upstairs where my cat can't get to it Cause of the fact of plants there. My real question is this, if the Amaryllis is toxic to pets when ingested... does that mean anything its touched is toxic too like the other presents or wrapping paper? Is it okay to touch her after I've handled the plant IF ive scrubbbed my hands twice with soap and hot water?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Mara Howard, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on December 8th, 2017

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! That sounds like a beautiful gift. I agree that I would keep Mirz away from the plant, and ensure that she cannot access it when you are not there. It is fine for you to touch her after touching the plant. The toxicity comes from ingesting/chewing any part of the plant, not from the contact itself.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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