Community Chat

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Two years ago a friend dropped a Lilly by our house for Easter. Before we had a chance to check to see if Lilies are safe, our 8 month old kitten bit into a leaf. The leaf was still intact, but we looked up toxic plants on ASPCA. And there it was – all parts of Lilly plants are poisonous to cats. Within an hour she had vomited a green watery mix. We rushed her to the animal hospital where she spent three days in intensive care having her kidneys flushed. Even with our quick reaction doctors said several times over those days that the treatment may not work and it would take a week to know if it did. Fortunately, she is now healthy, happy and active with a normal life expectancy.

This information is posted on Cat Channel.com with ASPCA as the source:

Cats are naturally curious and often chew on plants. All parts of the lily are considered toxic to cats, and consuming even small amounts can be deadly. Within just a few hours of ingestion, the cat may vomit, become lethargic or develop a lack of appetite. These signs are initially vague, but continue and worsen as kidney damage progresses. The actual reason for this is unknown, but is currently under investigation. Without prompt and proper veterinary treatment, the cat may develop kidney failure.

“All lilies belonging to the plant genus Lilium are considered highly toxic to cats,” said Dr. Steven Hansen, director of the ASPCA’s Animal Poison Control Center, adding that certain species of the daylily genus Hemerocallis can also be toxic to cats. “The consumption of small amounts can produce a life-threatening situation.”

Symptoms cats show after ingesting these plants can include vomiting, lethargy and lack of appetite. A cat may develop kidney failure within 36 to 72 hours of ingestion if not treated promptly.

“Time is of the essence for treatment,” said Dr. Louise Murray, director of medicine at the ASPCA Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital. “If an owner suspects that his or her cat may have ingested any part of a lily, he or she should seek medical care immediately.”

For more information about toxic flowers and what to do if a pet ingests such plants, visit the ASPCA’s Animal Poison Control Center website or call 888-426-4435.