✕ Toxic

Star of Bethlehem

Q: Is Star of Bethlehem toxic to cats?

Warning: Toxic. Star of Bethlehem (Ornithogalum umbellatum) is a garden plant with white, star-shaped flowers. It is extremely dangerous to cats. All parts of the plant—the flowers, leaves, stem, and especially the bulb—contain potent toxins that affect the heart. The plant contains powerful compounds called cardiac glycosides. These toxins directly interfere with the heart's electrical system, disrupting its ability to pump blood normally. They can cause the heart to beat too slowly, too quickly, or irregularly. There is no safe amount of this plant for a cat to eat; any ingestion is a medical emergency. Signs of poisoning include severe vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, weakness, and collapse. Because the toxins target the heart, this situation is life-threatening and requires immediate veterinary intervention. If you suspect your cat has chewed or eaten any part of this plant, contact a veterinarian or an emergency animal hospital without delay.

Q: What are the symptoms if a cat eats Star of Bethlehem?

Vomiting and diarrhea, Bradycardia (abnormally slow heart rate), tachycardia (abnormally fast heart rate), and cardiac arrhythmias, Hyperkalemia (dangerously elevated potassium levels in the blood), Weakness

Ornithogalum umbellatum

Star of Bethlehem (Ornithogalum umbellatum) is a garden plant with white, star-shaped flowers. It is extremely dangerous to cats. All parts of the plant—the flowers, leaves, stem, and especially the bulb—contain potent toxins that affect the heart. The plant contains powerful compounds called cardiac glycosides. These toxins directly interfere with the heart's electrical system, disrupting its ability to pump blood normally. They can cause the heart to beat too slowly, too quickly, or irregularly. There is no safe amount of this plant for a cat to eat; any ingestion is a medical emergency. Signs of poisoning include severe vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, weakness, and collapse. Because the toxins target the heart, this situation is life-threatening and requires immediate veterinary intervention. If you suspect your cat has chewed or eaten any part of this plant, contact a veterinarian or an emergency animal hospital without delay.

Important Notes

Toxic compounds: cardenolide cardiac glycosides (convallotoxin, convalloside-related compounds); bulbs most concentrated

Mechanism: cardenolides inhibit Na+/K+-ATPase in cardiac muscle, disrupting electrical conduction and causing arrhythmias

Symptoms: vomiting, drooling, diarrhea, abnormal heart rate, weakness, collapse

All parts are toxic — flowers, leaves, and especially bulbs; the plant is commonly found in gardens and naturalised fields

Seek veterinary care promptly if ingestion is suspected

Potentially Toxic Parts

Stem

Entire Plant

Leaf

Flower

Bulb

Possible Symptoms Reported in Cats

Bradycardia (abnormally slow heart rate), tachycardia (abnormally fast heart rate), and cardiac arrhythmias

Cardiac · Within the first 2 hours after exposure

Hyperkalemia (dangerously elevated potassium levels in the blood)

Gastrointestinal · Within the first 2 hours after exposure

Vomiting and diarrhea

Gastrointestinal · Within the first 2 hours after exposure

Weakness

Gastrointestinal · Within the first 2 hours after exposure

Disclaimer: This summary was compiled from multiple sources and is for informational use only. It is not a diagnosis or treatment plan. Toxicity can vary based on the substance, amount, plant part, and individual cat. If you think your cat may have been exposed to a toxic substance, contact a veterinarian right away.