The ASPCA's Phalaenopsis Orchid entry lists the moth orchid as non-toxic to dogs and cats, with no toxic principle named, and the ASPCA's other orchid entries carry the same verdict. "Orchid" covers a whole plant family, though, so check which one you have. If your pet ate some and seems unwell, call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.

For other houseplants with the same ASPCA verdict, see plants safe for cats and plants safe for dogs.

What happens if a cat or dog eats an orchid

The ASPCA's Phalaenopsis Orchid entry (also called moth orchid and moon orchid) lists the plant as non-toxic to dogs, cats and horses. It names no toxic principles and no clinical signs.

Non-toxic is not the same as harmless to eat. The ASPCA's plant list warns that "the consumption of any plant material may cause vomiting and gastrointestinal upset for dogs and cats."

What to do if your pet ate some

Call your veterinarian, or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435. The ASPCA notes, "A consultation fee may apply."

Have the plant's name ready, ideally the botanical one from the plant tag (for a moth orchid, Phalaenopsis). The ASPCA's plant list asks readers to "check the name of the plant to determine its toxicity," and that matters with orchids because so many plants share the name. Then follow the instructions you are given.

Does it matter which orchid it is?

It can. NC State Extension describes the moth orchid as a perennial "in the orchid family (Orchidaceae)" (NC State), and that family includes many genera. Moth orchids are "mass produced" and "readily available in big box stores," per University of Maryland Extension, but they are not the only orchids grown indoors: NC State tags Cymbidium as a houseplant (NC State).

The ASPCA database lists orchids entry by entry rather than as one family. Its orchid entries include these, all listed non-toxic to dogs and cats:

GenusASPCA entry (scientific name as listed)
Phalaenopsis (moth orchid)Phalaenopsis Orchid (Phalaenopsis sp.)
CattleyaCattleya Labiata (C. labiata), Christmas Orchid (C. trianaei), Cocktail Orchid (C. forbesii), Easter Orchid (C. mossiae)
OncidiumDancing Doll Orchid (O. flexuosum), Golden Shower Orchid (O. sphacelatum)
DendrobiumLeopard Orchid (D. gracilicaule)
EpidendrumSpice Orchid (E. ibaguense), Rainbow Orchid (E. prismatocarpum), Scarlet Orchid (E. tampense)
OdontoglossumLace Orchid (O. crispum), Lily of the Valley Orchid (O. pulchellum)
MiltoniaPansy Orchid (M. roezlii alba)
MasdevalliaTailed Orchid (Masdevallia spp.)
Haemaria (jewel orchid)Jewel Orchid (Haemaria discolor)

Every orchid entry found in the database when this page was written carries the same non-toxic verdict. A few points before you rely on it:

  • Some entries cover one species, not a genus. The Dendrobium entry is D. gracilicaule only, and the Oncidium entries name two species.
  • Not every orchid has an entry. No ASPCA entry was found for Cymbidium, the boat orchid (NC State), or Paphiopedilum, the lady slipper orchid (NC State).
  • The ASPCA's "Lady Slipper" is not an orchid. That entry is Impatiens spp.

A 2026 ASPCA article on toxic plants lists "Orchids – Orchidaceae" under non-toxic flowers and plants. For an orchid with no entry of its own, ask your veterinarian or the poison control center.

Keeping an orchid in a home with pets

  • Keep the plant tag. If your pet ever eats part of the plant, the botanical name on it helps a veterinarian or poison control identify exactly which orchid it is.
  • Place it out of reach. Put it on a high shelf or in a room your pet doesn't use. UMD Extension notes that "flower spikes can be quite tall," so check that the spike is out of reach too, not just the pot.
  • Don't count on deterrents. No placement or spray guarantees a pet will leave a plant alone.

Houseplants the ASPCA lists as non-toxic

With the same caveat about stomach upset, these houseplants have ASPCA entries listing them as non-toxic to dogs and cats:

For more, see the pet-safe plant directory.

Frequently asked

Are orchids toxic to dogs?
The ASPCA lists the moth orchid (Phalaenopsis) as non-toxic to dogs and cats, and its other orchid entries carry the same verdict. The ASPCA also notes that eating any plant material may cause vomiting and gastrointestinal upset in dogs and cats.
Is it safe to have an orchid with cats?
The ASPCA lists Phalaenopsis as non-toxic to cats, which is a classification, not a guarantee. Because any plant material may cause vomiting and stomach upset, per the ASPCA, keep the orchid out of reach of a cat that chews plants.
My cat ate part of an orchid. What should I do?
The ASPCA's Phalaenopsis entry lists no toxic principles or clinical signs. If your cat seems unwell, or you are not sure what the plant is, call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435. The ASPCA notes that a consultation fee may apply.
Are all orchids non-toxic to pets?
Every orchid entry found in the ASPCA database lists the plant as non-toxic to dogs and cats, but not every orchid has an entry. No entry was found for Cymbidium or Paphiopedilum. For an orchid without its own entry, ask your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center.
Is the lady slipper orchid on the ASPCA list?
No entry was found for Paphiopedilum, the lady slipper orchid. The ASPCA entry named Lady Slipper is Impatiens spp., which is not an orchid.

Sources: ASPCA: Phalaenopsis Orchid, ASPCA: Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants, ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, ASPCA orchid entries linked in the table above, ASPCA: Lady Slipper, ASPCA: Do You Know Which Flowers and Plants Are Toxic to Pets?, ASPCA: Spider Plant, ASPCA: Parlor Palm, ASPCA: Boston Fern, ASPCA: Calathea, ASPCA: African Violet, NC State Extension: Phalaenopsis, NC State Extension: Cymbidium, NC State Extension: Paphiopedilum, University of Maryland Extension: Care of Phalaenopsis Orchids