Lilies and Cats: Why These Flowers Are Deadly

By Tailwisp Editorial TeamUpdated October 20, 20264 min read

Few household hazards are as lopsided as lilies. A bouquet that looks harmless to people can put a cat in the hospital within a day. Understanding which plants are the problem, what exposure looks like and what to do next can make the difference between a scare and a tragedy.

Which lilies are dangerous

The danger comes from two plant groups. True lilies belong to the genus Lilium. This includes Easter lilies, tiger lilies, Asiatic lilies, Oriental lilies, Stargazer lilies and Japanese show lilies. Daylilies belong to the genus Hemerocallis and are just as hazardous to cats, even though they look similar and are common in gardens.

Other plants with "lily" in the name behave differently. Peace lilies, calla lilies, lily of the valley and the Peruvian lily (Alstroemeria) are not true lilies. They can still make a cat sick, but through different toxins and usually with less severe results. Lily of the valley, for example, contains compounds that affect the heart, so it needs its own emergency response.

Why lilies harm cats

Researchers have not pinpointed the exact toxin in true lilies, but the effect is consistent. The plant damages the cells that line the kidney tubules, and the kidneys stop filtering waste. Cats seem uniquely sensitive. Dogs, rabbits and rodents tolerate the same plants far better.

The exposure does not have to be dramatic. Cats groom constantly, so a cat that brushes past a bouquet and licks pollen from its coat has taken in the toxin. Cats also chew leaves, knock over vases and drink the water, which can contain dissolved toxin.

Signs to watch for

Early signs are easy to mistake for a stomach bug:

• Vomiting, often within two to six hours
• Drooling or lip licking
• Refusing food
• Lethargy or hiding

If untreated, many cats seem to improve for a short time and then get worse. After about 12 to 24 hours the kidneys begin to fail. Cats may urinate a lot at first, then produce little or no urine. By day two or three they can show severe weakness, dehydration, tremors or seizures.

What to do right away

Treat any suspected exposure as an emergency, even if your cat seems fine.

1. Remove the cat from the plant. Wipe pollen from fur with a damp cloth if you can do it safely, and keep the cat from grooming it off.
2. Call a veterinarian or poison helpline now. In the US, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center and the Pet Poison Helpline both take calls around the clock, and a fee may apply. Our US vet directory can help you find an emergency hospital by state.
3. Do not induce vomiting at home unless a professional tells you to. Some home methods are dangerous for cats.
4. Bring a sample. Take a photo of the plant or a piece of it so the team can identify it, and note how long ago the exposure happened.

How vets treat lily exposure

If your cat is seen within a few hours, a veterinarian may induce vomiting, give activated charcoal and start intravenous fluids. The fluids protect the kidneys by keeping them flushed, and cats usually stay in the hospital for at least 48 hours with repeated blood tests to track kidney values.

Outcomes depend heavily on timing. Cats treated promptly, usually within about 18 hours, have a good chance of recovery. Cats that arrive after kidney failure has set in may need dialysis, which is available only at a few specialty centers, or they may develop chronic kidney disease. Because cost can be a barrier, it is worth knowing about pet insurance and vet cost planning before an emergency happens.

Keeping your home lily-free

The only dependable protection is to keep true lilies and daylilies out of any home or yard a cat can reach. A few practical habits help:

• Ask florists for cat-safe bouquets. Mixed arrangements often hide a single lily stem. Ask by name, and remove the whole bouquet if you spot one.
• Warn friends and relatives. Visitors often arrive with flowers, so a polite "no lilies, we have a cat" saves a risky moment.
• Check the garden. Daylilies are a common border plant. If your cat goes outdoors, or neighbors grow them, consider the risk.
• Do not rely on "out of reach". Cats climb, so a high shelf is not a barrier.

Safer flowers

If you love fresh flowers, these are generally listed as non-toxic to cats by major animal poison resources: roses (mind the thorns), sunflowers, snapdragons, gerbera daisies, orchids, freesia and lisianthus. Even non-toxic plants can cause vomiting if a cat eats a lot, so discourage chewing. Our guide to cat-safe houseplants lists more options, and the toxic houseplants article covers what to avoid.

You can also check a specific plant with our free cat food and plant safety checker.

The bottom line

Lilies are one of the clearest examples of a hazard where prevention is far easier than treatment. If your cat has any contact with a true lily or daylily, do not wait to see what happens. Call your vet or a poison hotline immediately, and describe what the plant was and when it happened.

This article is general educational information, not veterinary advice. Every cat is different. If your cat is unwell, or you are unsure about a symptom, diet change or medication, contact your veterinarian.