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Lilies

Pet toxin reference — educational information only.
Pet toxins

What to know

Lilies — toxicity in cats

EmergencyApplies to: cats.

Overview

Lilies are the single most dangerous plant for cats. True lilies - including Easter lilies, Tiger lilies, Asiatic lilies, Daylilies, Japanese Show lilies, and Stargazer lilies - cause rapid, irreversible kidney failure in cats. Every part of the plant is toxic: the petals, leaves, pollen, and even the water in the vase. A cat that brushes against lily pollen and then grooms it off their fur has ingested enough to cause fatal kidney damage. Symptoms may seem mild at first (vomiting, reduced appetite) before progressing to complete kidney shutdown within 24-72 hours. If you have cats, do not keep lilies in your home. If your cat has had any contact with a lily, seek emergency veterinary care immediately - early aggressive treatment is essential for survival.

Symptoms

Vomiting, lethargy, loss of appetite, kidney failure

Typical onset

6-12 hours

What to do

Seek emergency care immediately. All parts of true lilies (Easter, Tiger, Asiatic, Daylily) cause fatal kidney failure in cats.

This page is educational and does not replace veterinary advice. If your pet may have been exposed, call UVEC at (801) 218-2227 or ASPCA Poison Control at (888) 426-4435.

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Lilies are the single most dangerous plant for cats. True lilies - including Easter lilies, Tiger lilies, Asiatic lilies, Daylilies, Japanese Show lilies, and Stargazer lilies - cause rapid, irreversible kidney failure in cats. Every part of the plant is toxic: the petals, leaves, pollen, and even the water in the vase. A cat that brushes against lily pollen and then grooms it off their fur has ingested enough to cause fatal kidney damage. Symptoms may seem mild at first (vomiting, reduced appetite) before progressing to complete kidney shutdown within 24-72 hours. If you have cats, do not keep lilies in your home. If your cat has had any contact with a lily, seek emergency veterinary care immediately - early aggressive treatment is essential for survival.

Symptoms
Vomiting, lethargy, loss of appetite, kidney failure
Onset
6-12 hours
What to do now
Seek emergency care immediately. All parts of true lilies (Easter, Tiger, Asiatic, Daylily) cause fatal kidney failure in cats.
Call UVEC now: (801) 218-2227
This tool is informational only and does not replace veterinary advice. If ingestion may have happened, contact UVEC at (801) 218-2227 or ASPCA Poison Control at (888) 426-4435.