Lilies and Cats: A Toxic Combination
March 1st, 2017
Spring will be soon arriving in the Seattle area, bringing with it beautiful blossoms budding all around us. Flowers will make their way into our homes. The flavored flower around Easter time is the beautiful, but toxic, lily. Sadly, people have lost their beloved pet cats to lily toxicity.
Lilies and Cats: The Toxic Flower 
Many cat owners are unaware of the danger that lilies pose to their furry loved ones. When assessing if the lily you have is toxic, keep an eye out for the scientific name of the plant. Dangerous lilies come from the genus Lilium (Lilium sp.), which include Easter, Tiger, and Asiatic lilies and any lily from the genus Hemerocallis (Hemerocallis sp.), which include day lilies. Small ingestions of any part of the plant are highly toxic to your cat. Just three petals or leaves, the pollen, or even the water from the vase can result in acute kidney failure or death. Other dangerous lilies include the Calla or arum lilies (Zantedeschia aethiopica), peace lilies (Spathiphyllum sp.), and lily of the valley (Convallaria majalis).
For a full list of toxic plants, visit the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals’ (ASPCA) website.
Veterinary Care in Kirkland
If you notice any of the symptoms below, call our veterinary clinic at 425-636-8201 immediately! We will do our best to make your loved one feel better because “we are all about cats!” Also, there is a Pet Poison Helpline available at 855-764-7661 or visit them here.
Symptoms of lily ingestion include:
- drooling
- vomiting (look out for pieces of the plant)
- loss of appetite
- increased urination, followed by lack of urination after 1-2 days
- dehydration
Calla or arum lilies and peace lilies have crystals which irritate the digestive tract and mouth of your feline friend. Symptoms will include drooling, vomiting and diarrhea, however, they do not affect the kidneys. Lily of the Valley has no effect on the kidneys but instead targets your cat’s heart. This type of plant can cause an irregular heartbeat, low blood pressure and can progress to seizures or a coma.
If possible, bring a piece of the toxic flower, or, more importantly, the plant tag from the plant that your cat ingested to help Dr. Lester diagnose the reaction faster, minimizing long-term organ damage. If you notice that your cat nibbled on a lily and has not vomited, call us at 425-636-8201. Please note, any ingestion of any plant can cause similar symptoms.
Feline Preventative Care in Kirkland
The best way to keep your cat purr-fectly safe from the toxic flower is to avoid lilies altogether. In addition, keep your family members and neighbors informed.
In the Kirkland, WA area, All About Cats Veterinary Hospital will provide the best care for your furry friends. We offer the services you need to keep your cat healthy and active, from preventative care and vaccines to senior wellness care! We would be happy to answer any questions and help in any way we can!
Recent Posts
-
10 Tips on How to Introduce Your New Cat to Other Pets
January 4th, 2021
-
How You Can Help Animal Shelters This Holiday Season
December 4th, 2020
-
Senior Cat Behaviors and Symptoms
November 5th, 2020
-
Cat Obesity: No Laughing Matter
October 6th, 2020
-
What You Need to Know About Hyperthyroidism in Cats
September 1st, 2020
-
ATTENTION: National Prednisolone Shortage
August 17th, 2020
-
The Importance of Taking Your Cat to Your Vet
August 1st, 2020
-
5 Common Cat Noises and What They Mean
July 2nd, 2020
-
Summer Days Are Coming: Guide to Cat Grooming
June 1st, 2020
-
COVID-19 Update for Clients of All About Cats Veterinary Hospital
March 16th, 2020
-
Tips for Dealing with an Aggressive Cat
March 6th, 2020
-
5 Common Oral Problems Found in Felines
February 4th, 2020
-
How Often and How Much Should I Feed my Kitten?
January 6th, 2020
-
Tips for Bringing an Outdoor Cat Indoors for Winter
December 6th, 2019
-
National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week
November 1st, 2019
-
National Veterinary Technician Week
October 1st, 2019
-
Signs Your Cat Is in Pain
September 1st, 2019
-
Senior Cat Care Tips
July 1st, 2019
-
Top Reasons to Spay or Neuter Your Cat
June 1st, 2019
-
Diabetes in Cats – Symptoms, Causes and Treatment
May 1st, 2019
-
Bringing Home Your New Kitten
January 1st, 2019
-
Ways to Keep Your Cat Safe and Warm this Winter
December 1st, 2018
-
Cat Health Insurance: Is It Right for You?
August 1st, 2018
-
How to Protect Your Cat This 4th of July
July 1st, 2018
-
Effective vs. Ineffective Cat Grooming
June 4th, 2018
-
Declawing Cats – Facts and Answers Before Considering Declawing Your Cat
April 27th, 2018
-
Seasonal Allergies in Cats: Symptoms and Prevention
April 1st, 2018
-
National Poison Prevention Week
March 2nd, 2018
-
National Cat Health Month
January 31st, 2018
-
10 Tips to Improve Your Cat’s Diet
January 4th, 2018
-
The Dangers of Holiday Plants and Ornaments for Cats
December 4th, 2017
-
October 16th is National Feral Cat Day
October 1st, 2017
-
September is Happy Cat Month!
September 1st, 2017
-
August 17th Is National Black Cat Appreciation Day
August 1st, 2017
-
Traveling with Cats This Summer
July 1st, 2017
-
June is Adopt-A-Shelter-Cat Month
June 28th, 2017
-
Keep Your Cat Safe While Enjoying the Great Outdoors with a Catio
May 10th, 2017
-
Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month
April 1st, 2017
-
Lilies and Cats: A Toxic Combination
March 1st, 2017
-
February Is National Pet Dental Health Month
February 13th, 2017