Any Contact With This Popular Bouquet Flower Can Be Lethal For Cats

For pet parents who love their cats and plants, finding a balance between a flora-filled home and a safe environment for their feline friends can be challenging. Whether gifted or purchased, many common household plants can be poisonous to cats. Out of all the toxic plants, the lily remains one of the main ones pet parents need to be aware of. Due to their high toxicity and popularity during holidays like Easter and Mother's Day, it's important to know what to do if your cat encounters one.

Even consuming a small amount can cause neurological damage, acute kidney damage, and potential death. Small quantities of the flower, such as petals or leaves, can be deadly when ingested. The pollen is also harmful if it gets on your cat's paws, and drinking water from the vase can also make them sick.

While the exact toxin responsible for these severe reactions has yet to be identified despite research on the cause, several types of lilies are highly toxic to cats, including Asiatic, daylily, Easter, Japanese show, Oriental, rubrum, stargazer, tiger, and wood lilies. However, not all plants with 'lily' in their name are equally dangerous to cats, with the calla, peace, and Peruvian lilies causing irritations of the airways, stomach, and gastrointestinal tract but not kidney damage. Regardless, all lilies should still be kept safely out of reach.

The effects of lily toxicity in cats can be severe and progress rapidly. Per PetMD, initial symptoms, such as a feline throwing up foam, drooling, or vocalizing discomfort may appear almost immediately. Within 6–12 hours, more serious signs like diarrhea, lethargy, and mouth sores may develop. Within 24 hours, kidney damage can begin, accompanied by symptoms like tremors, seizures, excessive urination, increased thirst, and confusion. If left untreated, these conditions can become fatal, which is why it's important to seek veterinary care.

If you suspect your cat has come into contact with or ingested any part of a lily, swift action can save their life. You should immediately take your cat to the veterinarian. Bring the plant in a safe container (or a photo of it) to help the vet identify the type of lily and assess the potential level of toxicity. While there is no cure for lily poisoning, a veterinarian can manage symptoms and improve the chances of recovery through supportive care such as IV fluids, induced vomiting, blood work, and other treatments as needed, while monitoring progress.

The best way to protect your cat is to avoid bringing any variety of lily into the home. If you are gifted lilies, place them in a cat-proof part of your home or replace them with safer blooms. It's always better to be safe than sorry.

If you believe your pet has consumed a toxic substance and you can't reach your veterinarian or an emergency clinic, please contact the ASPCA 24/7 Poison Control Hotline at 888-426-4435 or the Pet Poison Helpline at 855-764-7661.