Lilies: Deadly for Cats

Beware of a popular plant this spring season that may be fatal to your cat. Members of the plant genus Lilium including Easter lilies, Tiger lilies, Rubrums, Japanese show lilies, Stargrazer lilies, and Daylilies can be very toxic to felines, causing kidney damage and even death. All parts of the plants are toxic, and a cat can become ill even after chewing on one leaf.

Cats are unique in their susceptibility to lilies. Dogs, rabbits, and rats do not seem to suffer the same toxic effect from the plants. Dogs may experience minor digestive upset if they ingest lilies, but not renal damage.

Cats who are suffering from lily toxicosis will generally start vomiting within two to six hours of ingestion and stop eating. Vomiting may cease for a period but then generally resumes within 24 to 72 hours of ingestion.

It is important to get veterinarian attention as soon as possible if a cat has ingested a toxic lily plant. Postponing treatment for longer than 18 hours can often end in kidney failure or death.

For a broader list of plants and foods that are toxic to pets, click here.

Source: ASPCA

24 Common Plants Poisonous to Pets

10 Foods Poisonous to Pets

Read more: Cats, Do Good, Pets, cats, Easter, lilies

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Joe R.

12:38PM PST on Dec 20, 2011

Had no idea. Thanks.

send a green star

Danuta W.

12:43AM PST on Dec 18, 2011

Thanks for this great article.

Carole R.

4:09PM PDT on Oct 19, 2011

I did know this but I'm sure not everyone does. Such a beautiful flower but one that we have to be so careful with.

Cindy H.

5:12AM PDT on Jul 24, 2011

Wha5 about peace lilies? I've had those for years, my cat has taken a bite or two in the past with no problem, but now I am worried.

Marcia M.

6:59AM PDT on Jun 2, 2011

Thanks.
This is important info for cat owners.

Val G.

3:39PM PDT on May 14, 2011

Thank you for posting this important info.

N. M.

8:02AM PDT on May 1, 2011

i didn't know that, thanks!

Samantha H.

6:11AM PDT on May 1, 2011

thanks

caterina c.

12:10PM PDT on Apr 29, 2011

...Knew about it but thanks anyway for sharig news

Marleen P.

8:17AM PDT on Apr 29, 2011

I don't think cats are that stupid to eat toxic plants.. I have had lots of cats (for the moment we have 8 cats) and lily's in my garden all my life and never witnessed any problems with it.