Are lilies toxic to cats? Vet Vs The Net
First Published: 19/12/2018
Last Updated: 12/10/2023
They may be beautiful and they may smell lovely but if you’re a cat owner, it’s best to steer clear of lilies. Kath the vet talks us through why lilies are harmful to our feline friends...
Are lilies poisionous to cats?
Yes! Lilies can cause kidney failure in cats, which can be fatal if left untreated. If you are a cat owner, we recommend avoiding lilies in any way you can – certainly don’t plant them in your garden!
How do lilies poison cats?
Cats love to play in lilies or flowers in general. As they move around in the flowers, the pollen gets onto their fur and the cat ingests the pollen when they go to groom or clean his/herself later on.
Every part of a lily can cause damage to your cat, and they don’t need to ingest very much of it to be at risk.
Symptoms of lily poisoning in cats
Cats may display any of the following:
- Vomiting
- Reluctance to eat
- Disorientation or reluctance to move/walk
- General lethargy
- Seizures
What to do if your cat eats a lily
If you think your cat has eaten a lily, it’s important to contact your vet or emergency care provider immediately. The treatment will differ depending on how long ago your pet has ingested the flower.
What else is poisonous to cats?
Several household sprays and chemicals are toxic to cats, especially antifreeze. Plants like daffodils, foxgloves and mistletoe also cause harm. Read our full list of cat poisons to watch out for.
Need more advice?
To find out more about protecting your cat from poisons, have a chat with your vet.
Find your nearest vet using our Find a Vet page, or speak to a vet online using Online Vets.