Easter lilies, traditional symbols of hope and purity, are often given as gifts during the Eastertide season. But these stunning blooms — whether planted in a garden or kept in pots or bouquets inside the house — can prove deadly to a curious cat.
Lilium longiflorum is one of several species of lilium lily carrying a substance toxic only to cats. The precise toxin has not been identified, according the the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. In extreme cases, ingestion can result in kidney failure and death within three days.
Asiatic (including hybrids), Day, Japanese Snow, Oriental, Rubrum, Stargazer, Tiger and Wood Lillies comprise the lilium variety. Every part of each of these plants is equally toxic including the stem, leaves, flowers, pollen, even water in a vase. Common modes of ingestion include biting into a leaf or flower petal, licking grains of pollen off paws of fur while grooming and drinking the vase water.
Listlessness, drooling, vomiting and poor appetite are among early signs of lilium poisoning and can develop within 12 hours of ingestion. Signs of kidney damage emerge between 12 and 24 hours and include increased urination and dehydration. Kidney failure occurs within 24-72 hours which can lead to death if untreated. Damage is generally irreversible if treatment is delayed by 18 hours or more after ingestion. Early intervention vastly improves the cat’s prognosis. Dogs consuming lilium family lilies may develop minor stomach upset, but not kidney failure.
Other lilies are less toxic to cats and dogs, but should still be considered dangerous. Lilly-of-the-Valley contains toxins that can cause heart arrhythmia which can be life-threatening. Vomiting, diarrhea and lethargy can also occur. The roots or tubers of the gloriosa lily may release toxins that can induce multi-system organ failure if a sufficient amount is chewed. These symptoms usually resolve on their own.
Chewing on a calla lily or peace lily releases insoluble crystals of calcium oxalates which can irritate the aero-digestive tract including the mouth, tongue, esophagus and windpipe. Respiratory problems due to swelling of the mouth and airway is possible, but less common. Typical signs in a cat or dog include pawing at the face, drooling/foaming, vocalizing, vomiting and diarrhea. The Peruvian lily is often mistaken for a smaller version of a lilium plant. Taken in large amounts, these lesser toxins produce stomach upset but not kidney failure.
Call a vet or pet poison control center immediately if you suspect that a cat has ingested part of a lily, however small. Urgent medical attention may be indicated. Bring a flower in a sealed bag to the vet or snap a photo of the flower for reference.
Better yet, beautify your homes and gardens with a cornucopia of non-toxic blooms. These will spare the lives of yours and your neighbor’s cats — and those who have not yet found their forever homes.
Pet Poison Helpline: 855-764-7661 / www.petpoisonhelpline.com
ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, 888-426-4435 / www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control