Lethal Lilies

Did you know certain flowers are lethal to your pets? Before you bring those beautiful blooms inside, be sure your four-legged family members are safe! One of the most popular flowers this time of year is also the most toxic: Easter lilies. Here’s what you need to know about these lethal lilies.

Lilies
Toxic to: Cats
Level of toxicity: Moderate to severe
The most dangerous lilies for cats are “true lilies” from the Lilium and Hemerocallis species. Benign lilies, like Peace, Peruvian, and Calla lilies, are still moderately toxic to your cat but not as dangerous. Examples of lethal lilies include:

• Easter lilies
• Asiatic hybrid lilies
• Japanese show lilies
• Rubrum lilies
• Stargazer lilies
• Red lilies
• Tiger lilies
• Western lilies
• Wood lilies (Lilium species)
• Daylilies (Hemerocallis species)
• Even small ingestions – including pollen or water from the vase – may result in severe, acute kidney failure.

Common signs to watch for:

• Low or no appetite
• Lethargy and/or hiding
• Vomiting
• Drooling
• Increased or decreased thirst or urination
• Diarrhea
• Painful abdomen
• Difficulty breathing

If you suspect your cat may have ingested any part of a lily, or any other potentially toxic substance, immediately take them (and the plant) to your veterinarian or local emergency vet as soon as possible for treatment.

24/7 Hotlines are also available:

• Animal Poison Control Center (APCC): 888-426-4435 ($65 consultation fee may apply)
• Pet Poison Helpline: 855-764-7661 ($59 per incident fee applies)