It’s Poison Prevention Month and with spring time around the corner, it is important to understand the hazards that come with it. Lilies are a very popular flower for spring, mainly for Easter. Although they are very pretty to look at, they are very poisonous and potentially hazardous to your cat. There are many different types of lilies, but the ones listed here are poisonous.

  • True lilies of the Lilium and Hemerocallis species
  • Easter lily
  • Tiger lily
  • Day lily
  • Stargazer lily
  • Oriental, Wood, Red and Asiatic lilies.

While the exact toxin has not been identified, exposure to any part of the plant can cause sudden kidney failure and even neurological signs in cats. Ingesting just small pieces of the petals, leaves, or even the pollen or water in the vase can result in severe, potentially irreversible and fatal kidney failure. More signs to look out for are vomiting, anorexia and depression.

If you think that your cat could have ingested any part of a lily plant, gotten pollen on their coat or in their mouth, or drunk the water from the vase, call the Pet Poison Helpline at 855-764-7661 and take your cat directly to the veterinarian’s office or an emergency vet as soon as possible.