Are Lilies Poisonous to Cats? – Important Information

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Lilies are a popular flower that many people enjoy having in their homes or gardens.

However, if you are a cat owner, knowing that lilies can be toxic to your furry friend is important.

Lilies are one of the most poisonous plants for cats; even a small amount of exposure can lead to serious health problems.

Key Takeaways

  • Lilies are toxic to cats and can cause serious health problems, including kidney failure.
  • If you suspect your cat has come into contact with lilies, seek immediate veterinary care.
  • To keep your cat safe, it’s important to prevent exposure to lilies and choose safe alternatives for your home and garden.

Table of Contents

Which Part of the Lily Is Poisonous to Cats

The entire lily plant is toxic: the stem, leaves, flowers, pollen, and even the water in a vase.

Most lilies contain an unidentified water-soluble toxin found in all parts of the plant. The toxin can be absorbed through the skin, ingested, or inhaled.

The most dangerous lilies for cats include:

Common NameScientific Name
Asiatic lily (including hybrids)Lilium asiaticum
DaylilyHemerocallis species
Easter lilyLilium longiflorum
Japanese Show lilyLilium speciosum
Oriental lilyLilium orientalis
Rubrum lilyLilium speciosum var. rubrum
Stargazer lilyLilium ‘Stargazer’ – a hybrid
Tiger lilyLilium tigrinum or lancifolium
Wood lilyLilium philadelphicum or umbellatum
collage of various lily varieties

Symptoms of Lily Poisoning in Cats

If a cat ingests any part of a toxic lily, it can cause symptoms of lily poisoning. The initial symptoms of lily poisoning in cats include vomiting, lethargy, drooling, and loss of appetite. Increased urination and dehydration may be seen 12 to 24 hours after ingestion and are signs of kidney damage.

Later in the disease process, the kidneys may fail with no urine being produced, which is a life-threatening emergency.

It’s important to note that not all cats will show symptoms of lily poisoning, and some may not show symptoms until several days after ingestion. Therefore, if you suspect your cat has ingested any part of a toxic lily, seek veterinary care immediately.

Immediate Actions and Veterinary Care

a tabby cat next to a vase of lilies

If you suspect your cat has ingested any part of a lily plant, it is crucial to seek immediate veterinary care. Early veterinary treatment is essential in preventing life-threatening complications such as kidney failure, seizures, and death.

First Aid for Suspected Lily Ingestion

If you catch your cat eating a lily, you should try to remove any remaining plant material from its mouth and rinse its mouth with water. However, do not induce vomiting unless you have been instructed to do so by a veterinarian or animal poison control center. In some cases, inducing vomiting can cause more harm than good.

Diagnosis and Treatment Options

When you arrive at the veterinarian’s office, they will perform a physical examination and run bloodwork to assess your cat’s kidney function. If necessary, they may also induce vomiting or perform decontamination procedures to remove any remaining plant material from your cat’s esophagus and stomach.

Treatment options may include activated charcoal to absorb any remaining toxins, intravenous (IV) fluids to maintain hydration, and medications to manage clinical signs such as vomiting and diarrhea.

Prognosis and Recovery

The prognosis for cats with lily toxicity depends on how quickly treatment is initiated and the severity of kidney damage. Unfortunately, irreversible kidney failure can occur within 24-72 hours of ingestion, so early treatment is crucial.

Some cats may recover with minimal kidney damage if caught early and treated aggressively.

However, in severe cases, hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis may be necessary to support kidney function. It is essential to monitor your cat closely for clinical signs of kidney damage such as increased urination, loss of appetite, lethargy, and swelling.

a tabby cat outside next to lily plants

Lilies are highly toxic to cats, and immediate veterinary care is necessary if you suspect your cat has ingested any part of a lily plant. Remember to keep all lilies out of reach of your feline friends to prevent accidental ingestion.

If you have concerns about lily toxicity or other potential pet poisons, contact your veterinarian or a pet poison helpline such as the Animal Poison Control Center or Pet Poison Helpline.

Prevention and Safe Alternatives

Preventing Lily Poisoning in Cats

As a cat owner, it is important to be aware of the toxic plants to your feline friend. One of the most common toxic plants for cats is the lily. To prevent lily poisoning in cats, keeping lilies out of your home and garden is recommended. If you receive a bouquet containing lilies, remove them immediately and place them in a location your cat cannot access.

If you have lilies in your garden, fence off that area or keep your cat indoors during the spring when lilies bloom. If you suspect your cat has ingested any part of a lily, contact your veterinarian immediately or call the Pet Poison Helpline at 1-855-764-7661.

Non-Toxic Plants for Cat-Friendly Homes

If you want to add some greenery to your home but are worried about your cat’s safety, you can choose from plenty of non-toxic plants. Some cat-friendly plants include spider plants, Boston ferns, and African violets.

These plants not only add a touch of nature to your home but can also help improve air quality.

It is important to note that while these plants are non-toxic to cats, they can still cause digestive upset if ingested in large quantities. Additionally, if your cat has a decreased activity level or is prone to chewing on plants, keeping all plants out of reach is best.

By being aware of the toxic plants and choosing non-toxic alternatives, you can create a safe and cat-friendly environment for your furry friend. If you have any questions or concerns about the safety of plants in your home, consult your veterinarian for advice.

a tabby cat next to a vase of lilies

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the symptoms of lily poisoning in cats?

Lily poisoning can cause vomiting, loss of appetite, lethargy, dehydration, and kidney failure in cats. These symptoms may appear within a few hours of ingestion. If you suspect your cat has ingested any part of a lily plant, it is important to seek veterinary care immediately.

Which flowers, besides lilies, are harmful to cats?

Several other flowers and plants are toxic to cats, including tulips, daffodils, azaleas, and chrysanthemums. It is important to keep these plants out of reach of your cat or avoid having them in your home altogether.

Can lilies poison a cat even without ingesting them?

Yes, cats can be poisoned by lilies even without ingesting them. Pollen from lilies can be transferred to a cat’s fur when they brush up against the plant, and the cat may ingest the pollen while grooming themselves. Water in a vase containing lilies can also be toxic to cats.

What should I do if my cat ingests part of a lily?

If you suspect your cat has ingested any part of a lily plant, it is important to seek veterinary care immediately. Time is of the essence, as early treatment can help prevent kidney failure and increase the chances of recovery.

Are there any lily varieties that are safe for cats?

No, all lily varieties are toxic to cats. Even small amounts of pollen or plant material can be deadly.

Is it safe to have any lilies in a home with cats?

No, it is not safe to have any lilies in a home with cats. If you want flowers in your home, choose cat-safe varieties such as roses, sunflowers, or snapdragons.


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