Is Bird of Paradise Flower safe for cats and dogs?
| Species | Verdict |
|---|---|
| Cats | Toxic |
| Dogs | Toxic |
Severity: Mild
In American garden centers, "bird of paradise" is two different plants, and only one of them is this one. ASPCA's entry for Strelitzia reginae carries an explicit warning not to confuse it with Caesalpinia gilliesii, which is sold under the same common name and carries a more serious toxicity profile. That shared name is the practical risk: an owner looking up "bird of paradise poisoning" can easily land on the wrong plant's severity, in either direction.
For Strelitzia reginae specifically, ASPCA lists it as toxic to cats and dogs, names the fruit and seeds as the responsible parts, gives GI irritants as the toxic principle, and describes the signs as mild nausea, vomiting and drowsiness. A pet that has chewed the fruit or seed pods and is vomiting or unusually sleepy is worth watching closely, with a call to a veterinarian if the signs do not settle. If you are not certain which "bird of paradise" your pet reached, say so when you call - the answer changes what the vet looks for.
Facts and examples
- ASPCA lists bird of paradise (Strelitzia reginae) as toxic to cats and dogs via GI irritants from the fruit and seeds, with mild nausea, vomiting, and drowsiness as documented signs, and separately warns not to confuse it with Caesalpinia gilliesii (also called 'bird of paradise'), which is more toxic. (source, verified 2026-07-29)
Verdict re-verified against aspca.org, 2026-07-29 — confirmed unchanged. Source
This page is for general information only and is not veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If your pet is showing symptoms, or you think they ate or touched something dangerous, contact your veterinarian or a pet poison-control hotline immediately.
Last verified 2026-07-29