Are Lilies Poisonous to Cats?

Did you know that there are many plants that are toxic to cats? Lilies are popular flowers found in many households and gardens. However, while they may be beautiful additions to your decor, they pose a serious threat to your beloved cat. Lilies are highly poisonous to cats, with ingestion of even small amounts potentially leading to severe illness or even fatal consequences.

Many lilies contain compounds that can cause toxicity in cats. Even the pollen from these flowers, if ingested, can be dangerous. Given the grave risks associated with lilies and cats, it's crucial to be aware of the dangers and keep these flowers away from your pets or out of the home completely.

So, are lilies poisonous to cats? The short answer is yes, but it's much more complicated than that, as there are so many different kinds of lilies. Keep reading to learn more about lily toxicity in cats.

• Which Lilies Are Toxic to Cats?
• Signs of Lily Poisoning in Cats
• What to do if Your Cat Ingests a Lily
• Treating Lily Poisoning in Cats
• Safety Tips for Cat Parents
• Final Notes

Which Lilies Are Toxic to Cats?

There are two types of lilies: the true lily and the daylily. While other plants have the word "lily" in their name, they're not actually lilies, although they can still be dangerous for your pet.¹ So, are all lilies poisonous to cats?

According to the FDA, lilies categorized as true lilies or daylilies are toxic to cats. So, if you're wondering, "Are calla lilies poisonous to cats?" you'd be asking about a plant that's not actually a lily but can still be mildly toxic to pets. So, are peace lilies poisonous to cats? Again, these "lilies" aren't real lilies, but they can still be dangerous to your cat.¹

So, again, are all lilies poisonous to cats? It's always best to err on the side of caution and just assume they are. Let's take a look at the types of true lilies and daylilies that are toxic to cats:

Asiatic lily (Lilium asiaticum)

Asiatic lilies are known for their beautiful colors, which is why they're so popular in floral arrangements.² Different varieties of Asiatic lilies include:

• Easter Lily
• Stargazer lily
• Oriental lily

If your cat eats an Asiatic lily, they can experience vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and loss of appetite. Severe cases may progress to acute kidney failure, which can be life-threatening if not treated as soon as possible.³

Daylily (Hemerocallis species)

Daylilies look similar to Asiatic lilies and are known for their resilience and adaptability, thriving in a variety of climates and soil conditions.² They're characterized by their flowers that bloom for only one day, hence their name. Consumption of daylilies can cause GI upset in cats, including vomiting and diarrhea. They can also cause severe toxicosis.³

Easter lily (Lilium longiflorum)

The Easter lily is another true lily, which is highly poisonous to cats and can result in kidney failure. It's a popular flower often associated with the Easter holiday due to its beautiful white trumpet-shaped flowers.³

Japanese Show lily (Lilium speciosum)

The Japanese Show lily is another type of lily that can cause severe toxicosis. These lilies are known for their large, showy blooms and are often grown for their ornamental value. Watch out for signs such as vomiting, anorexia, and depression.³

Oriental lily (Lilium orientalis)

Oriental lilies are renowned for their intense fragrance and large, colorful blooms. They are often prized for their beauty and are commonly used in floral arrangements. Oriental lily can result in the same level of toxicity as its family members — vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia, and depression. It can also cause kidney failure.³

Rubrum lily (Lilium speciosum var. rubrum)

Rubrum lilies, a variety of Lilium speciosum, are characterized by their deep red or pink flowers and distinctive spotted petals. Rubrum lily is another true lily toxic to cats that can result in death.⁴

Stargazer lily Lilium ‘Stargazer’

Stargazer lilies are known for their large, showy flowers with vibrant pink or red petals that are often speckled with white or contrasting colors. They are prized for their beauty and strong fragrance, making them a popular choice in floral arrangements.

Stargazer lilies are considered very toxic to cats. Consuming any part of the plant, including the leaves, stems, flowers, and pollen can result in severe poisoning.³

Tiger lily (Lilium tigrinum or lancifolium)

Tiger lilies have orange, red, or yellow flowers with dark spots or freckles. They are native to parts of Asia and are often cultivated for their ornamental value in gardens and landscapes. Are Tiger lilies poisonous to cats? Unfortunately, yes.

If a cat consumes Tiger lilies, they may experience symptoms such as vomiting and loss of appetite. Ingestion can also lead to more severe complications like acute kidney failure, which requires immediate veterinary attention.³

Wood lily (Lilium philadelphicum or umbellatum)

Wood lilies, also known as Philadelphia lilies or umbel lilies, are native to North America and are commonly found in wooded areas, meadows, and grasslands. They feature delicate, trumpet-shaped flowers in shades of orange, yellow, or red.

Severe cases of ingestion can result in death if not treated quickly enough.⁵ Symptoms of Wood lily ingestion include vomiting, lethargy, loss of appetite, and kidney failure.⁵

Signs of Lily Poisoning in Cats

Lily toxicity in cats is a serious concern, as ingestion of even small amounts of certain lily species can lead to severe illness or even prove fatal. Understanding the signs of lily poisoning and the urgency of veterinary care is crucial for cat owners to protect their beloved pets from this silent threat. Here are the symptoms you can expect and when they take effect:[1,6]

0-12 hours after ingestion

• Decreased activity level
• Drooling
• Vomiting
• Loss of appetite

12-24 hours after ingestion

• Increased urination
• Dehydration
• Signs of kidney damage become more apparent

24-28 hours after ingestion

• Kidney failure may occur
• No urine production
• Life-threatening emergency

Within 36 to 72 hours

• Kidney failure can lead to death

What to do if Your Cat Ingests a Lily

If your cat consumes any part of a lily, you need to take immediate action. Start by taking a picture of the flower to help your vet identify it. Then, contact your veterinarian immediately. You can also reach out to ASPCA toxicology and poison control via 888-426-4435 for expert guidance on how to proceed.

Treating Lily Poisoning in Cats

Treating lily poisoning in cats requires fast and comprehensive veterinary intervention to mitigate the potentially life-threatening effects of the toxic compounds found in lilies. The primary goal of treatment is to remove any remaining traces of the toxin from the cat's system and to provide supportive care to address the symptoms and complications that may arise.

If you believe your cat has ingested a lily of any kind, take them to the vet immediately. Within the first few hours, treatment may involve inducing vomiting to eliminate any remaining plant material from the stomach, followed by activated charcoal to help absorb toxins left behind in the digestive tract. Intravenous fluids are then administered to flush out the kidneys and prevent dehydration while supporting kidney function.⁶

In severe cases where acute kidney failure has already developed, more aggressive treatment, such as dialysis, may be required to support kidney function until the kidneys can recover.⁶

The prognosis for cats with lily poisoning depends largely on how fast they get treatment and the severity of the poisoning. With early intervention, the prognosis can be favorable, and many cats can recover fully with appropriate medical care. However, if treatment is delayed or if kidney failure has already set in, the prognosis becomes more guarded, and the risk of long-term kidney damage or death increases significantly.⁶

Safety Tips for Cat Parents

The most effective way to protect your cat from lily poisoning is to keep all varieties of lilies out of your home and garden. This includes popular species like Easter lilies, tiger lilies, and Asiatic lilies. Opt for cat-friendly plants instead to decorate your home. Need help finding safe plants for your house? Learn more about these cat-friendly houseplants.

If you plan to keep lilies in or around the home, familiarize yourself with the symptoms of lily poisoning in cats, including vomiting, lethargy, and loss of appetite. Early recognition of these signs can ensure you get immediate veterinary care and improve your cat's chances of recovery.

You should also ensure the plants are kept in areas that are inaccessible to your cat. Consider displaying them in rooms or areas where your cat does not have access, such as high shelves or hanging baskets.

If you think your cat has ingested any part of a lily, don't wait for symptoms to appear. Contact your veterinarian or an animal poison control hotline immediately for guidance. Time is of the essence in treating lily poisoning, and quick intervention can save your cat's life.

Final Notes

Lilies pose a severe threat to cats, with ingestion of even small amounts potentially leading to severe illness or fatal consequences. Understanding the signs of lily poisoning and seeking immediate veterinary care is crucial for protecting your beloved feline companion from this silent danger. If you suspect your cat has ingested a lily, don't hesitate to contact your veterinarian or an animal poison control hotline for guidance.

Care for your cat with a Dutch membership. While telemedicine for pets can't replace emergency veterinary care, our licensed vets can provide general guidance about the types of plants safe for cats and houseplants that are toxic to cats. We can also provide follow-up support during your cat's recovery. Try Dutch today.