Lily Plants and Cats are a Toxic Combination

On one of our recent sunny days, Dr. Smith and her family were doing yard work when their kitty Splash decided to munch on the leaves of some daylily shoots that were coming up. Lily plants are highly toxic to cats: Easter lilies, daylilies, tiger lilies and other members of the Liliaceae family can cause kidney failure and death.

Photo: Dr. Smith’s daughter Anika and their kitty, Splash.

Luckily for Splash, her humans were right there, so she did not ingest any lily shoots and is doing just fine. But this was a great reminder for us all to be aware of what plants we have in our yard and in our homes that may be toxic to our pets.

Lillies and Cats

All parts of the plant, including the petals, stamen, leaves, pollen or the water in the vase of cut lilies are toxic.

Even if as little as one leaf is consumed, it can produce severe toxicosis.

Early signs of lily intoxication include drooling, vomiting, lack of appetite and depression.

If you think that there is even a slight chance that your cat has eaten or chewed part of a lily plant, time is of the essence! Contact your veterinarian or nearest emergency clinic immediately with your suspicions. Early treatment can save your cat’s life.

Lilies and Dogs

While the majority of lily plants are not toxic to dogs, lily of the valley and peace lilies are deemed dangerous to dogs by the ASPCA.

Other Potential Hazards

Other Potential hazards in the yard could also come from fertilizers, insecticides, sharp garden tools and cocoa mulch, which has become increasingly popular. Slug and snail bait and rat poisons are especially dangerous.

If you believe your pet has possibly ingested any poisons or toxins it is important to call your veterinarian immediately. Do not wait to see if your pet is okay after a period of time. If at all possible have the packaging of the product available for your vet. If it is after hours, then contact a veterinary emergency clinic or call the ASPCA at
1-888-426-4435.

To view a list of toxic and non-toxic plants, visit the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center’s website HERE.