My cat ate a lily. Is it an emergency?
Yes, if it's a true lily or a daylily. Every part of the plant is toxic to cats, including pollen licked off fur and the water in the vase.
Emergency
Go to a vet now, even if your cat seems fine. If treatment is delayed 18 hours or more, the kidney damage is often permanent.
Which lilies are dangerous?
Highly toxic to cats (kidney failure): Asiatic, daylily, Easter, Japanese show, Oriental, rubrum, stargazer, tiger and wood lilies.
Also dangerous, for cats and dogs: lily of the valley (heart rhythm problems) and gloriosa or flame lily (organ failure).
Usually milder: calla and peace lilies irritate the mouth and throat, and signs often pass on their own. If you're not sure which lily it was, treat it as dangerous.
Signs and timing
- 0–12 hours: low energy, drooling, vomiting, not eating
- 12–24 hours: kidney damage, peeing more, dehydration
- 24–72 hours: kidney failure, fatal without treatment
What to do now
- Go to a vet or emergency clinic now, and call ahead on the way.
- Bring the plant or a photo of it.
- Don't make your cat vomit unless a vet tells you to.
24/7 animal poison lines
ASPCA Animal Poison Control(888) 426-4435
Pet Poison Helpline(855) 764-7661
US & Canada, a fee may apply. Outside North America, call your nearest emergency vet.