Lily Toxicity in Cats

by Amy Young
February 12, 2020

What is lily toxicity?

Takeaways

Lilies are lethally toxic to cats.
All members of the plant genus Lilium, including Easter lilies, contain a chemical that can damage cat kidneys.
Ingestion of even a small amount of plant material from certain types of lilies is a veterinary emergency for cats and early treatment is essential to a successful outcome.
If you live with cats, it is a good idea to keep lilies out of your home and garden.
If you think your cat may have chewed on or ingested lily, seek veterinary care immediately.

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Lilies are lethally toxic to cats. In fact, they are so poisonous that a cat can suffer fatal kidney failure just from biting into a lily leaf or petal, licking lily pollen from its paws, or drinking water from a vase containing cut lilies. The lily toxin, which only affects cats, has not been identified. If dogs ingest lilies, they do not develop kidney failure, although they may have an upset stomach.

All members of the plant genus Lilium produce a chemical that is present in all parts of the plant that can damage cat kidneys. However, Easter lilies (Lilium longiflorum), Stargazer lilies (Lilium ‘ Stargazer’ hybrid), and Asiatic lilies (Lilium asiaticum) seem to be the most hazardous. Daylilies, which are in the genus Hemerocallis, are also toxic to cats and can cause kidney failure. Other types of lilies that are not in the genus Lilium, such as calla lilies and peace lilies, do not cause kidney failure in cats, but can still be harmful. Lily of the valley (Convallaria majalis) can cause heart problems when ingested, including irregular heartbeat and low blood pressure, which can lead to seizures or coma.

Some cats appear to be more susceptible than others are to lily toxicity. The severity of the resulting kidney failure also varies from cat to cat. Some poisoned cats recover with minimal therapy, while others require costly dialysis to live long enough for the kidneys to possibly repair themselves. Many affected cats never recover kidney function following lily toxicity, and die or are euthanized within days of becoming ill. If you think your cat may have chewed on or ingested lily, seek veterinary care immediately.

What are the clinical signs of lily toxicity in cats?

Initial clinical signs of lily poisoning in cats include vomiting, lethargy, drooling, and loss of appetite. Increased urination and dehydration may be seen 12 to 24 hours after ingestion and are signs of kidney damage. Later in the disease process, the kidneys may fail with no urine being produced; this is a life-threatening emergency. A cat that has consumed the lily toxin can experience kidney failure, which can lead to death, within 36 to 72 hours unless he or she receives appropriate treatment.

Picture of an Easter lily — Easter lily.

How is lily toxicity diagnosed in cats?

Lily toxicity is diagnosed in cats by finding a chewed on piece of the plant or pieces of the plant in vomit, or by knowing that a cat in kidney failure has been in contact with lilies. Kidney function is evaluated through testing of blood and urine. If possible, bring the plant, or a picture of the plant, with you to the veterinary clinic or hospital to aid in the diagnosis (but make sure that your cat does not have access to the plant or any of its components).

How is lily toxicity treated in cats?

Vomiting may induced if the cat recently (within a few hours) ingested the plant and has not vomited. The cat may be given activated charcoal to bind any toxin remaining in the stomach. Intravenous (IV) fluids may be initiated to support kidney function and to protect the kidneys from the circulating toxins. Urine output will be monitored. In severe cases, dialysis may be necessary to keep a patient alive.

What is the prognosis for lily toxicity in cats?

The prognosis is variable. Delayed treatment (by more than 18 hours after ingestion) generally leads to irreversible kidney failure.

How can lily toxicity be prevented in cats?

The best way to prevent lily toxicity is to keep your cat away from these particular types of lilies. Do not bring lilies into your home if you have a cat, and do not plant them in your garden if you or your neighbors have cats that have access to the outdoors.