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Are lilies bad for my cat?
It is that time of year when we will be getting beautiful lilies sent to our homes. If you have a cat, give the lilies to your neighbor. Lilies are extremely toxic to cats. Even the pollen can be toxic.
Lilies cause kidney failure in cats. Only a a little chewing on a leaf can results in kidney failure.
Quick and intense veterinary care can save your cat. The emergency clinic will give your cat activated charcoal and induce vomiting. They will check kidney functions with blood and urine test. IV fluids will be used and most cats will need to be hospitalized for 3-7 days.
If your suspect that your cat has eaten any part of a lily, please get your cat to a veterinarian for immediate care. If it is available bring a piece of the plant or a picture.
Not all lilies are created equal. Easter lily (Lilium longiflorum), day lily (Hemerocallis), and tiger lily (Lilium lancifolium) affect the kidneys. Calla or arum lilies (Zantedeschia aethiopica) and peace lilies (Spathiphyllum sp.) contain crystals that are extremely irritating to the mouth and digestive tract. They will causing drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea ,but they do not affect the kidneys. Lily of the valley (Convalaria majalis) affects the heart. They will cause irregular heartbeat and low blood pressure, and can progress to seizures or coma.
For more information, click here for the Animal Poison Hotline.
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