Lethal Lilies

 

While lilies are beautiful and often used as decorative flowers in our homes and gardens, they can pose a serious threat to our furry friends. As it turns out, certain types of lilies known as the true lilies are potentially fatal to cats, Daylilies, Asiatic, Easter and Roselilies –are highly toxic to cats.

 

The entire lily plant, including the petals, leaves, pollen, and even the water in the vase, can contain toxins that are extremely harmful. Cats do not need to nibble on the plant in order to become sick – if the pollen from the plant gets onto a cat’s fur, even traveling through the air, and the cat ingests that pollen during its normal grooming routine, this is enough to cause serious illness.

 

Any amount of lily ingestion can lead to kidney failure, which is a life-threatening condition. The symptoms may not appear immediately, but within 1 – 6 hours of ingesting lily, you may see some of the common signs of poisoning, including vomiting, excessive drooling, lethargy, and/or weakness and collapse. It’s important to act quickly if you suspect your cat has come into contact with lilies. Time is of the essence when it comes to treating lily poisoning. If you suspect your cat may have ingested any part of a lily, or any other potentially toxic substance, immediately take them (and the plant) to your veterinarian or local emergency vet as soon as possible for treatment.

 

24/7 Hotlines are also available:

• ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC): 888-426-4435 (consultation fee may apply)
• Pet Poison Helpline: 855-764-7661 (incident fee applies)

 

 

To keep our feline friends safe, we should ensure lilies are completely out of their reach or just avoid having lilies in your home or garden all together.  Instead, consider using pet-friendly flowers and plants, like roses, sunflowers, or daisies.

By being aware of the dangers of lilies to cats and taking precautions, we can create a pet-friendly environment that promotes their well-being