Lilies and Cats: Why Even a Small Amount Is Deadly
Lilies are beautiful—but they’re extremely toxic to cats. Even a small ingestion of leaves, pollen, or water from a vase can cause acute kidney failure.
Why Lilies Are Dangerous
Plants in the Lilium and Hemerocallis families are toxic to cats. The toxins can cause kidney damage within hours of ingestion, often leading to life-threatening complications if not treated immediately.
Signs of Lily Poisoning
- Vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Lethargy or weakness
- Dehydration (panting, sunken eyes)
- Increased thirst or urination (later stages)
Even licking pollen from their fur is enough to cause toxicity.
Emergency Response
If your cat has ingested any part of a lily, this is a medical emergency:
- Contact your veterinarian immediately.
- Prompt veterinary care may involve induced vomiting, activated charcoal, and aggressive intravenous fluid therapy to protect the kidneys.
Quick action can save your cat’s life, which is why it’s crucial to treat any exposure as an emergency.
For questions about plants in your home or if your cat may have ingested lilies, call us immediately for guidance.
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